Hi. I’m Michael.

I’m a researcher, writer, tech-starter-upper, hockey coach, and dad. 

I am a co-founder and Communities and Communications Officer at BOW, Ltd. Our mission is to realise the true potential of robotics, by bringing robotics within reach of more people. 

I am also presently working as a Research Fellow at Sheffield Robotics and the Department of Computer Science at the University of Sheffield. I am presently working on an exciting Wellcome Trust-funded project, Imagining Technologies for Disability Future, where we are looking at cultural perceptions of body augmentation, extension, disability, care and assistive technologies. I am also Sheffield Robotics Lead for Engagement and Responsible Research.

I have a PhD in English Literature and Psychotherapeutic Studies from the University of Sheffield, an MA from McGill University and a BA Hons. from the University of Toronto.

I have worked in 4 different departments/faculties at the University of Sheffield:

School of English, Faculty of Arts and Humanities
School for Health and Related Research (ScHARR), Faculty of Medicine
Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science
Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Engineering

Current Projects

Imagining Technologies of Disability Futures (itDf), is a Wellcome Trust-funded project, for which the principal investigator is Prof. Stuart Murray from the University of Leeds and the Leeds Centre for Medical Humanities.

Skills and Education in Robotics and Autonomous Systems (SERAS), is funded by the UK-RAS network with the mission to examine how to create environments for education and work that are more inclusive and better prepare people to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the robotics and autonomous revolution.

Selected Past Projects 

Human Brain Project – an H2020 FET Flagship Project which strives to accelerate the fields of neuroscience, computing and brain-related medicine.

EASEL (Expressive Agents for Symbiotic Education and Learning) – explores and develops a theoretical understanding of human-robot symbiotic interaction

Cyberselves in Immersive Technologies – explores immersive technologies—virtual and augmented reality, telepresence and teleoperation— that allow the experience of self to be radically altered along physical, temporal and/or social dimensions.

Convergent Science Network – including blogging here.

Check out my specific research interests here.

Ice Hockey

After messing around with some skates and a puck playing in Newmarket, ON as part of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association, and having moved to the UK in 1997, I have been fortunate enough to now be Head Coach of both the Sheffield Bears Universities Ice Hockey Club and the Sheffield Shadows Women’s Ice Hockey Club. I also coach at the Sheffield Ice Hockey Academy and have had the pleasure of helping out the Sheffield Steeldogs. (I’m still waiting for the Leafs to call.)

In 2021 I was appointed GB Students Men’s Ice Hockey Head Coach, and I led a team to Lake Placid, NY to take part in the FISU World Student Games.

I’m very interested in learning and thinking about coaching, hockey, and kids’ development.

When I have time, I like to play a little guitar (no, not a ukulele), do some camping, and some more writing.