Curriculum Vitae
Summary
Applied Scientist and Senior Data Scientist with 20+ years of experience spanning environmental science, structural biology, and industrial sensing across Australia, Scotland, Sweden, and England.
I specialise in Bayesian inference, uncertainty quantification, physics-informed modelling, and machine learning, developing scalable analytical systems that transform noisy real-world sensor data into robust, decision-ready insight.
In my current role at MIRICO, I lead the development of probabilistic methane emissions algorithms, combining Gaussian plume modelling, Bayesian RJ-MCMC, anomaly detection, and spatio-temporal modelling to deliver commercial monitoring solutions for industrial and environmental applications. My work spans algorithm development, cloud-based analytical pipelines, stakeholder engagement, and the translation of complex statistical outputs into practical business and regulatory decisions.
Throughout my career I have combined deep scientific research with software engineering and data science, publishing over 20 peer-reviewed papers while delivering production analytical systems used outside academia. I enjoy solving difficult modelling problems where uncertainty, sparse observations, and physical processes must all be considered together.
Research Interests
My interests lie at the intersection of probabilistic modelling, environmental sensing, and scientific computing. I enjoy developing methods that combine physical models with statistical inference to solve challenging real-world problems, particularly where uncertainty, sparse observations, and complex dynamical systems are involved.
Current areas of focus include:
- Bayesian inference and uncertainty quantification
- Physics-informed machine learning
- Atmospheric transport modelling
- Environmental sensor analytics
- Data assimilation and Bayesian state estimation
- Scientific software engineering
Current Role
Senior Data Scientist — MIRICO (UK) — 2022–Present
- Lead the design and development of Bayesian inference algorithms for methane detection, source localisation, and emissions quantification using Gaussian plume and probabilistic modelling.
- Develop scalable Python analytics pipelines for high-frequency environmental sensor data, uncertainty quantification, anomaly detection, and event analytics.
- Advance the company’s modelling capability towards physics-informed 2D/3D advection–diffusion and Bayesian state-estimation frameworks.
- Architect cloud-based analytical workflows using Azure and Linux HPC environments.
- Deliver the core analytical capability underpinning MIRICO’s methane emissions monitoring platform.
- Collaborate closely with customers, regulators, and internal stakeholders to translate complex probabilistic outputs into actionable operational insight.
- Mentor data scientists and promote best practice in Bayesian modelling, software engineering, and analytical development.
Experience
Senior Scientist — Evotec Ltd (UK) — 2020–2021
- Scientific consulting for clients; stakeholder engagement and project management across highly integrated projects.
- Developed software and analysis pipelines; coordinated deliverables across multidisciplinary teams.
Research Scientist — University of Western Australia — 2016–2019
- Project planning/management; managed equipment/facilities and a Linux cloud server.
- Supervised >10 researchers; led collaborations; delivered undergraduate lectures.
Research Scientist — University of Sydney — 2015–2016
- Took a key project from start to publication in <1 year.
- Learned electron microscopy rapidly; modeled protein complexes using HPC and integrated software.
Research Scientist — University of Manchester (UK) — 2013–2015
- Close collaboration with GSK; frequent stakeholder updates.
- Published a book chapter on biocatalysis; developed a novel biocatalyst for industrial use.
Research Scientist — Karolinska Institute (Sweden) — 2010–2013
- Multidisciplinary EU AEROPATH project with high-throughput data and rapid decision cycles.
- Discovered a putative lead compound for a novel antibiotic target.
Visiting Academic — University of St Andrews (UK) — 2009–2010
- Solved structure of a first-in-class biocatalyst; published two articles within a year.
- Supervised a team of 8 researchers.
Bioinformatician — Monash University — 2008–2009
- Built GRID computing for highly parallel algorithms; created software pipelines for streamlined analysis.
Education
PhD, Structural Biology — The University of Western Australia — 2002–2007
BSc (Hons), Environmental Science — Murdoch University — 1993–1997
Publications
See Google Scholar.
Book Chapter
Schmidberger, J. W., Hepworth, L. J., Green, A. P., & Flitsch, S. L. (2014). Enzymatic Synthesis of Amides. In K. Faber, W.-D. Fessner, & N. J. Turner (Eds.), Science of Synthesis: Biocatalysts in Organic Synthesis (Vol. 1, pp. 329–372). Stuttgart.