CENSIS, the Scottish Innovation Centre for Sensor and Imaging Systems, has ramped up its technical offering for the subsea, offshore and marine sectors with the appointment of two industry experts.
Dr. Graham Kerr has joined CENSIS as its Technical Director, while Leo Meng has been recruited as an Embedded Systems Engineer.
L-R: Dr. Graham Kerr and Leo Meng. Photo credit: CENSIS
With over 20 years’ experience in new product development and engineering management, Dr. Kerr arrives from FMC Technologies, where he managed the optoelectronics research and development (R&D) team. In this role, he developed advanced sensor solutions for the oil and gas industry and collaborated with a number of universities on technology development.
Dr. Kerr has also spent time in technology development with some of Scotland’s most high-profile engineering businesses, including Babcock Energy and Motorola. During his post-doctoral research at the University of Glasgow, he worked on ultra-sensitive laser interferometers for gravitational wave detection.
Meanwhile, Leo has more than six years’ experience in academic and oil and gas industry R&D, most recently working with Aker Solutions as a Wireless Systems Engineer. He has particular expertise and experience in condition monitoring, acoustics and wireless communication.
Prior to his position with Aker, Leo spent three years researching wireless sensor networks at the University of Strathclyde. His specialities included distributed data processing and electronic system design.
Ian Reid, Chief Executive of CENSIS, said: “The subsea industry continues to go through a challenging time, but the opportunities for innovation have seldom been better. The research groups available to the North Sea are global leaders in their fields, with expertise ranging from ultrasonic engineering all the way through to nanoscale engineering.
“In Graham and Leo we have two experts who understand the industry, the problems it faces, and the technology that can help drive efficiency. They are a great addition to our subsea and offshore specialist, Dr Rachael Wakefield, and we’re thrilled to have them on board.”
Dr. Graham Kerr added: “The sensor and imaging system (SIS) market is growing from strength to strength in Scotland. It’s an exciting time to join CENSIS and work with sectors such as the subsea industry to solve many of their current challenges. Technology has a big role to play in helping the entire supply chain adapt to the current environment.”
Leo Meng commented: “I strongly believe there are big opportunities to cut costs in the subsea industry through the further adoption of smart processes and SIS technology. I look forward to working with the energy firms CENSIS is already assisting, as well as others in the months and years ahead.”
