Education: PhD Ulster University, 2006, MA Queens University Belfast, 1997, BSc Hons Ulster University, 1993. Wes worked in commercial archaeology before joining the government's Underwater Unit (OPW) in Dublin. He came to Ulster as a Research Fellow in 1999, and was appointed lecturer in 2008.

Wes is a maritime archaeologist, with interests in the activities and economies of coastal communities in the medieval and post-medieval eras. His research examines strategies for exploiting and utilising marine resources and their resulting effect on the coastal landscape. In addition to research carried out at home, Wes has been active in north and east Africa working in regions affected by conflict, under-resourcing and neglect.  

Wes teaches aspects of human, cultural and historical geography across the three-year geography degree programme. He is also involved in teaching environmental management and conservation to geography and environmental science students. He contributes to student field trips and residentials in Ireland and abroad.