Contact Information

Research Information

Research Description

I conduct research on the interaction between trees and their physical environment- specifically, the factors that determine and control carbon exchange and water use.

I conduct research on developing assistive technologies for those with disabilities

Interdisciplinary Research

The assistive technology work is highly interdisciplinary, involving electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, psychology, medicine, physics, physcial education and biology.

Health Related Research

As described above, my UVATT work is directly related to health issues.

Research Keywords

Community Interaction

Community Projects

I have these two distinct areas of research:

Forest Biology:
I investigate the interaction between trees and their physical environment. Specifically how they respond to changes in the weather. I look at the factors that determine carbon uptake (net photosynthesis) and water use (transpiration) and the role of forests in mitigating climate change.
I work with seedlings or trees. In the lab I use sophisticated chambers where the environment can be very precisely controlled. In the field I use large towers that are instrumented to measure changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide and water vapour.

The second area of research involves assistive technology. I am the director of UVATT - the University of Victoria Assistive Technology Team. The aim of this group is to develop devices and technology that will improve the lives of people with disabilities. We have a wide range of projects that range from the development of a brainwave communication system to the development of bikes for blind children.

Community Collaborations

UVATT, described above, is a non-profit organization.

International Involvement

International Research

Some of my UVATT work is done in collaboration with agencies in the U.K., Australia and Germany.

Countries lived/worked in

I am originally from the U.K. I worked in New Zealand for 6 months in 1996.

Software Development

Much of the UVATT work involves software development, ranging from signal processing (brainwave research), control systems (eye tracking) or programming microprocessors.