Dr Conleth O'Loughlin

NGCF Director

Conleth has been involved with geotechnical centrifuges for thirteen years. His first post-PhD position was at COFS in UWA where he learnt the ropes of centrifuge modelling before returning to his home country to establish Ireland’s first and only geotechnical centrifuge. However, the lure of UWA and Perth enticed him back to COFS in 2012, where he took up his current position as an Associate Professor and took over the role of centrifuge manager from Christophe. In 2017 Conleth took over the directorship of the NGCF from Christophe Gaudin and uses his considerable experience to lead the NGCF into the future in addition to pursuing his main academic interests in offshore anchoring, soft soil characterisation and foundation systems for offshore renewable energy devices.

John Breen

Lab Manager and Chief Electronics Engineer

John, originally from Ireland, joined COFS in 1998, and has managed the instrumentation/electronics laboratory for most of this time. From the early days in Ireland, John has been involved in design and testing of electrical/electronic and mechanical industrial equipment in many different industries. In addition to his supervisory role, John has specialized in electronic hardware design such as the design of the DigiDAQ Data Acquisition system - a purpose built DAQ system for centrifuges. His broad knowledge of power electronics through to instrumentation electronics, makes John well suited to managing electronics projects from conception to successful completion. In 2017 John stepped up and took on the important task of managing the day to day running of the centrifuges in addition to being in charge of the technical workshop.

Manuel Palacios

Chief Centrifuge Technician

After joining the Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems geomechanics laboratories in late 2010 Manuel Palacios naturally gravitated towards the geotechnical centrifuges. He quickly built a relationship with the electronics staff and the existing centrifuge technicians, which resulted in Manuel being appointed chief centrifuge technician in 2012. Manuel has a passion for new technologies and has been key in introducing tablet computing, 3D printing and HD action cameras (GoPros) into everyday centrifuge operations.

Adam Stubbs

Senior Centrifuge Technician

Adam joined the centrifuge team in late 2016 to coincide with the commissioning of the C72 10m centrifuge into the Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre. He brought with him a range of skills developed from his position as a Technical and Safety Officer for the Engineering Faculty where he oversaw the safe operation of many of the Faculty’s labs while providing select technical services. Adam enjoys assisting with physical modelling component of student projects and is integral to the smooth day to day operations on two of the busiest centrifuges in the southern hemisphere.

David Jones

Chief Mechanical Technician

David Jones is the chief mechanical technician for the Centre for Offshore Foundations Systems, The University of Western Australia, which he joined in 2003. Dave’s career path has been centred around research and development, commencing his apprenticeship as a tool maker within the agricultural industry in Wales, immigrating to Australia in 1981 and progressing to the auto industry in Melbourne and then relocating to Perth in 1986. Dave has gained valuable technical experience with world class facilities such as Orbital Engine Company, before commencing with COFS.

Dave’s enthusiasm stems from the challenges of designing and manufacturing instruments and models for use in centrifuge modelling. Dave enjoys being a contributing member to the experienced COFS centrifuge team (National Geotechnical Centrifuge Facility) that is continually developing innovative and modern technologies for the benefit of academia and industry.

Khin Seint

Senior Electronics Technician

Khin is an electronics technician at Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems, University of Western Australia. She joined the team in 2008 and is responsible for the building, maintenance and repair of various electronic instruments such as the UWA-developed DigiDAQ boxes. Her skilful and meticulous installation of strain gauges and sensors on small-scale models, such as T-bars, CPTs and anchors for centrifuge modelling, makes her a highly-valued member of the NGCF team.

Jarrad Hoyle

Electronics Technician

Jarrad joined NGCF in 2019 to support the electronics team. He has over 11 years experience as an Electronics Technician in the manufacturing, mining and construction industries. Jarrad specialises in electrical control systems and robotics, including programming, operating and integration.