I studied at the University College of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, obtaining a BSc in Physics and Mathematics from the University of London in 1965 and an MPhil in Geophysics in 1968. Study in Canada led to a PhD in Geophysics from the University of Alberta in 1972.
I taught Physics and Geophysics at the University of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and started and ran an MSc course in Exploration Geophysics. This afforded diverse experience in all aspects of mining geophysics, including airborne, ground and underground applications. I published work in aeromagnetic survey design and multichannel gamma ray analysis.
In 1982 I moved to Tsumeb, Namibia to become Chief Geophysicist of the Tsumeb Corporation (Newmont Mining). New experience included aeromagnetic surveys and time domain EM (the Newmont EMP system).
In 1987 I joined Robertson Research International (now Fugro Robertson) in Llandudno, North Wales, UK and worked world-wide on petroleum and mining exploration. I developed grid Euler deconvolution (with colleagues) and conducted high sensitivity aeromagnetic surveys for sedimentary structure.
In 1994 I joined GETECH in Leeds, UK as Geophysical Research Manager and Principal Geophysicist and became involved in diamond prospecting and gravity tensor gradient research among other things.
I started Reid Geophysics as an independent consultancy in May 1999 and am now a Director of Reid Geophysics Ltd.
I am an Honorary Research Fellow in the School of Earth & Environment, University of Leeds. Recent R&D work has involved work on the Enhanced Euler technique and on exploiting measured magnetic gradient data.
I am also an active member of SEG and EAGE and a member of PESGB, IAGE, and ASEG . Professional activities include Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Geophysical Prospecting, member of EAGE’s Awards Committee, reviewing papers for SEG and EAGE, and membership of the SEG’s Gravity & Magnetics and Standards Committees.