MR JUSTIN THOMAS

Biography

Originally from Gloucestershire, I studied at Dundee University graduating with a BSc (Hons) Geology in 1987. I then joined the oil industry working as a Mudlogger / Geologist on various rigs and platforms in the North Sea. To expand my opportunities (and pay packet!) I completed a MEng. in Petroleum Engineering at Heriot Watt University in 1990.

This led to a move to Aberdeen and a highly enjoyable 30 year career with Texaco and Chevron working on a series of interesting projects in the UK and overseas as a Reservoir Engineer, Sub-surface Team Leader and Project Manager.

Having invested in forestry and convinced that we should be planting more trees, I was keen to learn more about the business and related issues. So when I retired in 2020 I enrolled for the MSc. Environmental and Forestry Management course at Aberdeen University, graduating November 2021. My individual project on the Carbon Content of the Maryculter Woods has led on to a related PhD looking to develop a methodology to help Network Rail optimise their vegetation strategy to remove greenhouse gasses.

Although not originally part of the grand plan (if there ever was one), this PhD should keep me busy for the next few years!