I hold joint appointments in the Departments of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Aeronautics. I obtained my PhD in Control Engineering from the University of Cambridge, after receiving a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cape Town.

My primary area of expertise is Model Predictive Control (MPC). MPC is widely used across industry because it provides a systematic and optimal way to manage constraints, nonlinear dynamics, and uncertainties. My research focuses on developing advanced numerical optimisation methods and novel computer architectures that enable MPC algorithms to efficiently solve complex optimisation problems in real-time. These techniques include integrated residual methods for nonlinear problems, local reduction methods for uncertainty, and new classes of derivative-based as well as derivative-free solvers.

I am also actively developing multi-objective optimisation methods aimed at the co-design of entire closed-loop systems. By simultaneously treating algorithmic, computational, and physical parameters as design variables, significant performance gains are achievable alongside reduced design costs and time.

My research is strongly driven by practical applications, particularly in aerospace, renewable energy, building energy systems, and information systems. Examples include optimising computational and communication tasks in aerial robotic networks, reducing aerodynamic drag on vehicles, improving energy efficiency and occupant comfort in buildings, and enhancing performance for space launch and re-entry systems. I have supervised more than 30 PhD students and post-doctoral researchers, many of whom now hold tenured academic positions.

My research funding comes from diverse sources including the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the European Commission’s Framework Programmes, the Royal Academy of Engineering, and the Royal Society. Industry partners have also strongly supported my work, including Siemens Corporate Technology, EADS Innovation Works, The MathWorks, and the European Space Agency (ESA). Additionally, I have extensive experience as a consultant providing expert advice on complex control and optimisation problems.

I have served on the IEEE Control Systems Society Board of Governors, as a Senior Editor for IEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technology, and as an Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control, as well as Control Engineering Practice. I have also been a member of editorial boards and conference committees, including the IEEE Control Systems Society Conference Editorial Board.

PHD STUDENTSHIPS AVAILABLE

My departments and the university have several open PhD studentships. Projects can be tailored to mutual interests. If you are interested in pursuing a PhD under my supervision—particularly in developing novel numerical methods for predictive control and dynamic optimisation—please contact me directly with your CV, academic transcript, and a brief personal statement. Due to the high volume of inquiries, I will only reply to candidates I believe have a strong chance of acceptance.