29/05/2026
I was trained as a geological technician at the former South London College between 1982 and 1984. Like many others at the time, I was taught how to handle and prepare geological samples for oil and extraction companies, as well as for university Earth Science departments.
I was fortunate to secure a position within the former Geology Department at Birkbeck College, where I gradually progressed through the ranks. During my time there, I obtained a BSc, followed eventually by a PhD, before becoming a university lecturer. I taught igneous petrology, economic ore geology, and geological mapping, much of it centered on the beautiful and geologically complex Isle of Skye.
After 38 years, I left academia due to the sharp decline in student numbers following Brexit and the COVID lockdowns. Seeing the direction things were heading, I accepted an enhanced voluntary severance package — with nearly four decades of service behind me, it was probably one of the best decisions I ever made.
Throughout those 38 years, I witnessed a steady decline in the skills of thin section preparation. This became especially evident as experienced thin section technicians retired and were never replaced. In fact, I often took it upon myself to prepare sections for my own PhD students because the delays in obtaining sections from their research samples had become intolerable.
Now, outside academia, I have made it my mission to help preserve this essential skill, as it remains a vital tool in geology. The identification of minerals in thin section is fundamental to the classification of rocks and to understanding their petrogenesis. I founded Geology Hub UK to provide thin section preparation services for individuals, institutions, schools, colleges, and companies requiring rock sample sectioning. I also offer one-to-one training sessions for individuals interested in learning this essential thin section preparation skills. Please DM for further information and costs of thin section preparation.
