Stephen Burnley

Stephen originally studied chemical engineering and did a PhD in coal processing and, with great timing, finished just after the government decided to close down the UK coal industry.  The need of a job close to his wife in London led him to join the scientific Civil Service where he spent several years developing processes for making fuels from wastes.  This sparked his interest in waste and pollution and he ended up managing part of the Environment Agency’s waste research programme. During this time Stephen became an OU AL (telling his wife that it would stop him doing anything silly like becoming a full-time academic). Alas, he was unable to resist the lure of Walton Hall and, 20 years ago, became a lecturer in Environmental Engineering. He now chairs a Level one engineering module (T193) and also works on the Environmental  Management MSc programme.  His research interests are mainly related to carbon footprinting of different waste treatment methods.

Outside work he lives in the village of Silverstone with his wife, three cats and occasional visits from grown-up sons demanding food.   His hobbies include cycling round the lanes of Northamptonshire, walking in God’s own country of Yorkshire, gardening and enjoying good food and ales.  Stephen is also a keen quizzer at his local pub.

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