Philippa Moore

Investigator Dr Philippa Moore

Philippa graduated from the University of Cambridge with MA and MSci degrees in materials science and metallurgy. She subsequently stayed at Cambridge to gain her PhD, researching the microstructures and properties of laser and laser/arc hybrid welds in pipeline steels, a project supported by industrial partner, TWI Ltd. Philippa then spent 18 years working at TWI Ltd, and developed an international reputation in fracture toughness testing, and engineering failure investigation, often of welded steel structures, through her project work and consultancy. In her last six years at TWI she was a Team Manager, her roles included responsibility for a team of engineers who delivered fracture toughness testing services for TWI. She has also carried out projects related to fracture tests in corrosive environments and hydrogen embrittlement of steels. She has published over 45 conference and journal papers on her academic research, and on topics supporting her involvement on British and International standards committees for fracture testing. Philippa was herself the industrial supervisor of five PhD students and four MSc students from 2013 to 2019 working on fracture-related topics. An inspirational and respected technical expert, she is an enthusiastic and experienced presenter to both technical and non-specialist audiences on topics related […]

Ian Jeavons

Investigator Ian Jeavons

Ian graduated form the University of Manchester in 1996 where he studied mechanical engineering. After graduation, Ian joined IMI Plc on a graduate programme which gave him a broad range of manufacturing experience in the production of water heating systems and pneumatics. Later, Ian joined the research division of IMI Cornelius where he gained experience in the development and testing of a commercial water treatment system. Ian then became the global coordinator and technical support for the system’s field trial where he continued to develop data management and analysis skills. Ian joined New House Textiles in 2001 to run the engineering department during the development and testing of a weaving technology system. After a sabbatical, travelling the world, Ian returned to the UK to start a new career teaching engineering apprentices. During this time, Ian gained a Post-graduate Certificate, having studied advanced manufacturing techniques and aerospace materials, and researched the effect of temperature on carbon fibre composite during machining for his dissertation. Ian continued his academic studies and in 2021 gained his EngD by using a laser tracker to measure, model and correct the positional accuracy of an industrial robot for machining operations. His research was sponsored by Hexagon Manufacturing […]

Giuseppe Scatigno

Investigator DR GIUSEPPE SCATIGNO

Giuseppe graduated with a 1st Class Master’s Degree in Materials Science and Nuclear Engineering from Imperial College London. During this period, he worked at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the Incident and Emergency Centre, performing radiological dose calculations, following the Fukushima nuclear disaster. He completed a PhD, researching electrochemistry and corrosion, where he focused on environment-assisted corrosion phenomena, working closely with several nuclear utilities across the world. Giuseppe also spent time in Japan working on the development of Gen III+ reactors at Hitachi-GE Ltd. Giuseppe’s PhD work required the extensive use of state-of-the-art microscopy techniques, experimental traditional techniques, as well as computational, mathematical, and analytical methods. After completing his PhD, Giuseppe worked as a Research Associate for Imperial College, sponsored by EDF Energy, to study stress corrosion cracking resistance of dry cask storage units designed to be used for the interim storage of spent nuclear fuel. Giuseppe was then employed by EDF Energy, where he worked as a Corrosion Engineer and Chemist. Giuseppe worked closely with power generating stations before becoming the lead on water cooling systems and interim spent fuel storage. Giuseppe defined the chemical inhibitors regimes and corrosion monitoring systems to ensure the appropriate management of […]

Gerald Deshais

Investigator Dr Gerald Deshais

Gerald completed his PhD in Materials Science at the University of Cambridge in 1999, where he investigated the resistance of 7XXX alloys to stress corrosion cracking on behalf of Péchiney (now part of Rio Tinto Alcan).

Ian Giddings

Ian Giddings website profile picture

Ian gained sponsorship for his degree from GEC Satchwell Control Systems. Whilst studying for his degree he also undertook periods of formal training with Satchwell in their Electromechanical Section, Technical Laboratory and the London North Office. After obtaining his degree with honours, Ian worked as a design engineer for Satchwell. Ian utilised his knowledge of mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering to take a number of projects from concept to manufacture. These projects included the design of microprocessor based control systems, valve actuators and gearboxes. He was also responsible for project planning and the ISO 9001 documentation for each of his designs. In 1999 Ian joined Dr J H Burgoyne & Partners LLP as a Consulting Engineer, where he specialised in the forensic investigation of fires, explosions and engineering incidents. Ian conducted around 400 investigations and was appointed on several occasions to present expert evidence in accordance with Part 35 of the CPR and also for criminal proceedings. In 2006 Ian joined Hawkins’ office in Reigate, Surrey where he continues to carry out forensic investigations of fires, explosions and engineering incidents. Ian has conducted a wide range of investigations including fires in domestic, commercial and industrial premises, fires in domestic appliances, […]

Andy Bryce

Investigator Andy Bryce

Andrew’s career in forensic engineering began while carrying out an undergraduate placement at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, analysing the cause of aircraft component failures for the Air Accident Investigation Branch. Following his Masters Degree he joined Rolls Royce plc, Military Engine Division in 1988 where he was trained in the forensic investigation of engine failures for both in-service and development engines. Other areas of responsibility included carrying out in-service turbine component condition assessments and writing quality standards. Andrew resigned from Rolls Royce at Senior Scientist grade and joined Hawkins in 1991. Since joining Hawkins, Andrew has carried out over 1700 forensic investigations involving engineering, fire and explosion incidents both in the United Kingdom and overseas. These cases have covered a great range, from small domestic incidents to multi-million pound losses in shops, warehouses, factories, power stations (gas turbines & compressors), aerospace and marine. Andrew is experienced in the legal process and has given evidence in the capacity of an expert witness in Magistrates’ Courts, County Courts, High Courts, Crown Courts, Coroner’s Courts, mediations and arbitrations on numerous occasions. He is listed as an expert in the Expert Witness Directory. Andrew is currently a Director of Hawkins and based in the […]

Andrew Prickett

Investigator Dr Andrew Prickett

As part of his first degree Andrew worked for Alusuisse, Switzerland analysing production methods of lithographic alloys and for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency on new materials for aerospace applications. His career in failure investigation began while carrying out his PhD, which was an investigation to determine the failure characteristics of fibre reinforced composite materials using fracture mechanics and surface analytical techniques, that was sponsored by BAE Systems. After completing his PhD, Andrew continued his interest in failure investigation by undertaking a post-graduate research project for Thames Water on the failure modes of cast iron trunk mains systems.In 2001 Andrew joined Hawkins, specialising in the investigation of materials failures, escapes of water, fires and explosions. He has investigated a wide range of failures in plastic, ceramic, metal and composite materials. He also uses his engineering knowledge and experience of the processes required for a forensic investigation to determine the causes of fires in residential, commercial and industrial premises.Andrew is experienced in the legal process; he is frequently appointed as a Single Joint Expert and has given evidence in the capacity of an expert witness in Magistrates’ and Crown Courts. In 2022, Andrew was promoted to Managing Director and is […]

Hawkins Hosts CPD & Drinks Evening at Trinity House

On 22nd September, Hawkins welcomed guests to Trinity House for an evening of CPD presentations and drinks, reintroducing our annual event following a hiatus since 2019. It was excellent to see so many familiar and new faces, and to introduce some of our own new team members and their expertise.

Reliable Adhesive Joints – Success Without the Stress!

Reliable Adhesive Joints

Product designers are often faced with complex requirements when considering how to join components together, such as aesthetics, weight saving or part-count reduction. Adhesive technologies provide a compelling solution, especially in cases where traditional mechanical fasteners (e.g. rivets or screws) are less suitable. Unfortunately, confidence in adhesive technologies can often be low, particularly in cases where joint failure could cause damage or injury.

Nick Wright

Investigator Dr Nick Wright

Nick’s first job following graduation was for the Cookson Group at its research centre near Oxford, where he carried out materials development and testing work. Following this, Nick returned to the University of Birmingham where he gained a PhD developing polymer matrix composite engineering components. Nick joined Cosworth Ltd in 1999 as a Materials Engineer, developing materials and processing technologies for Formula 1 Engine applications. This work included a large number of failure investigations on race and road vehicle components. In 2006 Nick joined ERA Technology Ltd, working initially in the Gas Turbine group on failure investigations and remaining lifetime assessment. He became increasingly involved in failure investigations in a wide variety of applications including power generation, petrochemical process plants, electrical distribution, general industrial and road vehicles. This led to his appointment as head of the Forensic Engineering service line at ERA, where he led a team of engineers supporting loss adjusters, insurers, manufacturers and owners/operators. Nick joined Hawkins in 2013, where he works as a Principal Associate based at our London office.