Technical expertise
Michael’s technical background is the use of numerical tools to simulate environmental hydrodynamics and water quality in waterways such as lakes, rivers, estuaries and the coastal ocean. He now leads the development and sale of TUFLOW, which is an advanced environmental modelling software suite. His current work supports customers responsible for managing environmental, especially from public health and environmental protection perspectives.
Environmental modelling is central to our offering, underpinning assessments of how human activity affects aquatic ecosystems. Modelling also supports the development of strategies to remediate and protect our aquatic natural assets.
A rapidly growing need
As Michael notes, the regulatory and community questions being asked of our customers in the environmental water management space are becoming “more and more complicated,” requiring supporting modelling tools that not only keep up but stay ahead of this complexity. TUFLOW and BMT are doing exactly this through the provision of superior environmental modelling software and expertise to the global environmental decision-making community.
"As environmental challenges grow more complex, our modelling tools must stay ahead so our customers can make confident, informed decisions."
Research focus: pathogen dynamics in the River Wharfe
Michael’s Fellowship project 'Application of TUFLOW CATCH to pathogen dynamics in the River Wharfe', demonstrates how next-generation modelling tools can illuminate risks to public health in recreational waters. The work investigates how pathogens originating in the wider catchment - such as from farming runoff or sewage releases - move through the system and potentially interact with human bathing areas.
A major challenge in environmental modelling is the historical divide between catchment modelling experts and in-stream water quality specialists. These systems and disciplines have rarely been well integrated. Michael’s research addresses this gap by demonstrating how TUFLOW CATCH can seamlessly link catchment processes with receiving-water dynamics, enabling customers to better understand and manage pathogen transport.
Impact for BMT and society
The project aims to deliver:
- A proof of concept for advanced environmental modelling tools.
- Clear, evidence-based insight for managing pathogen sources and reducing health risks in bathing waters.
- A demonstration of TUFLOW CATCH’s capability to solve increasingly complex environmental challenges with greater accuracy and accessibility.
These outcomes help reinforce our reputation as a leader in environmental modelling innovation.
The work is being delivered in close collaboration with colleagues in the UK, combining software development expertise with local knowledge of the River Wharfe context. The project is nearing completion, with the next steps involving sharing outcomes with customers, demonstrating capability, and expanding adoption of these enhanced modelling tools.
What drives Michael
Michael is driven by a passion for understanding the environmental footprint of human activity and by creating the numerical tools needed to measure, predict, and manage those impacts. After decades spent wrestling with the technical barriers between different modelling systems, he sees TUFLOW CATCH as a significant breakthrough - one that our Fellowship Programme has helped bring to life. The Fellowship has provided the time, resources, and focus needed to refine the tool, demonstrate its value, and align the work directly with customer needs.
