Chris is a research associate working in the Centre for Sustainable Technologies in the School of the Built Environment. Chris has worked in research since completing his Masters in Environmental Engineering in 2011 at Queen's University Belfast, subsequently working as a research assistant until 2014 in the area of aquifer characterisation, borehole monitoring and geophysical data acquisition. After this Chris commenced his PHD at Ulster University which focussed on the integration of heat pumps coupled with thermal energy storage into domestic houses as a retrofit for oil or gas boilers. The research focussed on designing a low cost smart grid capable controller allowing dynamic charging and discharging of the energy store in response to real-time and forecast electricity grid demand. The system was installed in an occupied test house on the University campus and operational performance was monitored and analysed. Chris took up the position of research associate in 2018 with current research focussing on the provision of instantaneous domestic hot water using a heat pump.

Chris's research interests lie in the sustainable use of energy and water resources through the efficient and effective use of technology. Particular interests lie in the electrification of domestic heating, thermal and electrical energy storage, demand side management, smart grids, internet of things, smart cities, renewable energy and electrification of transport.