The Editor managed to catch up with Patrick Barbour, who has just joined our Bristol office and Patrick found enough time between investigations to tell us a little about himself.

Patrick is an experienced investigator having worked in Cardiff and London for over eight years as a forensic scientist specialising in mechanical engineering and the safety of systems at work. Patrick has a Masters degree in mechanical engineering and spent a further three years gaining a PhD, all at Leeds University.

He studied the wear of plastic material used in hip joints. Apparently, the problem with hip joints is not just that they wear away, but that as the plastic wears away the released particles are attacked by the body's immune system. In turn, this can cause side-effect problems to the bone holding the joint. In addition, after the initial joint replacement, the process of replacing an artificial joint is far more complex. This makes it important to minimise the amount of wear and maximise the lifespan of the initial joint.

Between the degree and PhD, Patrick ventured into the "real world" working for Cooper Cameron as a product design engineer for their sub sea department. No, I was not much wiser either. Patrick explained that Cameron's design, manufacture, maintain and repair under water well head equipment used in North Sea oil extraction. This equipment is used at depths of around 300 feet and is maintained by either bringing it to the surface or by use of submersibles and not, as your editor thought, by sending Patrick down with a snorkel and pair of flippers.

The working environment for this equipment is harsh with salt water, stormy seas and high-pressure corrosive crude oil being only part of the problem. Patrick was therefore fortunate in working in a design office attached to the factory where he could spend time in the workshop and on site instead of the "rarefied atmosphere of university research".

In 2000 Patrick decided to join Burgoynes in their London office as an investigator specialising in mechanical engineering. He tells me that he answered an advert in the paper and was soon taken on. He enjoys the variety and challenges of the job after his research work and likes meeting people. He also enjoys not being behind a desk all the time and the challenges involved in investigation work.

He clearly had an aptitude for the work and four years later moved his family from London to Cardiff. A further four years later found Patrick deciding he wanted a further change and joining Hawkins' Bristol office. He says that he may decide to move to Bristol at some time in the future subject to the difficulties of moving three young children from one school to another.

Patrick is forty, although to your Editor he does not look it, and is married to Louise who looks after their three children, Phoebe 7, Ben 4, and Catrin 2. Most of his time away from work is spent with his family although he used to scuba dive being a qualified instructor.

If you would like to contact Patrick his email is patrick.barbour@hawkins.biz.