Christopher Garbutt

Areas of expertise

• Water Science and Engineering

Background

Chris is passionate about design, sustainability and environmental stewardship. His first degree was in Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons) at Edinburgh University, and after a working in industry he returned to study Green Economy with Bournemouth University, did his project on the cost-benefits of micro-hydropower and gained an MSc with distinction.

Chris has over a decade of experience working as a product development engineer working in research and development for Dyson Appliances in the UK, and Fisher and Paykel Appliances in New Zealand. He has worked on new concept washing machines, led reliability projects, and has particular experience with washing machine cycle design and washing machine pumps. After returning to the UK was able to combine his analytical and practical skills  as an applications engineer for John Crane testing and validating high-pressure, high-speed mechanical seals for different pump applications. 

Chris has also enjoyed working for local government where he was able to support social enterprises and build community resilience while working as an internship at Green Star award winning Frome Town Council .

Current activities

Chris is a Doctoral student with Canfield University’s School of Water, Energy, Environment and Agrifood and started his three-year Water and Design PhD studentship in March 2020. He is working on the development of a sustainable filtration technology for wastewater treatment by researching the application and optimisation of pile cloth media for removing solids from water.