Reader in Astrophysics
Astrophysics Research Institute
Liverpool John Moores University

My research work is based on variable objects. Almost any kind of variable objects. Several types of classical variable stars (RR Lyrae, Cepheids), gamma-ray bursts or supernovae. The 2m Liverpool robotic telescope at La Palma is at the centre of my observational efforts.
Objects such as gamma-ray bursts not only vary rapidly but they are also unpredictable. In order to collect meaningful data for GRBs, a robotic telescope is ideal as it can respond immediately to a GRB alert. For supernovae and variable stars, the timescale to obtain data is rarely as pressing as for GRBs but a robotic telescope is still the perfect tool to collect data at regular intervals, over a long period of time.

I teach in the undergraduate astronomy degrees, delivered jointly by Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Liverpool. The Physics department of the UofL and the ARI have joined forces to teach a "Physics with Astronomy" BSc degree and an "Astrophysics" MPhys degree. My teaching duties involve lecturing undergraduate classes, tutoring in small groups and some administrative work as I am coordinator for the joint degree.
Do not hesitate to contact me if you want to know more about these degrees.