Originally from the Isle of Man, Steve came to Lancaster to study the MEng in Mechatronics. After graduation he moved to Cambridge for the Advanced Course in Design Manufacture and Management, before returning to Lancaster to start his research career. Early research was in the field of Construction Robotics and automation of large equipment. More recently, focus has been in renewable energy, particularly tidal energy devices where he completed his PhD in 2012. Work foccusses on the use of multi-element profiles to improve the hydrodynamic efficiency of machines.

Stephen is Director of Undergraduate Admissions within the Engineering Department and as such in 2017 he moved to being a Teaching Fellow.