AFE 2009
About Us - Team Profiles
James Harland
A keen biker James spends a lot of time with his motorbike. James has taken on the roll of project co-ordinator due to experience gained from a joint lead of a research expedition for ANGAP (Madagascar’s national park authority) in the Northern jungles of Antsiranana, Madagascar. Prior to 5 weeks in the jungle, James attended selection on a 9 month course run by the RAF regiment through a specialist branch of the ATC. The course teaches its students command and leadership using the infantry model as an engine for constant development. Many hundreds of candidates applied of which only 90 passed selection and of those only two thirds graduated.
One of James’ favourite pastimes is climbing, in particular lead climbing and he is building up experience towards the Single Pitch and Mountain Leaders Award. In the future James looks to become an officer in the Parachute Regiment. James is also a qualified open water diver.
Project Coordinator
Paul Ridgwell
Before coming to university Paul completed a BTEC National Diploma in Sports Development and Fitness which opened his eyes to the outdoor industry. Following this he worked for PGL (a national outdoor centre) which provided him with valuable experience in working with people of all age ranges in the outdoors. During his time at PGL, as well as leading groups and instructing activities, Paul also organised and ran a specialist holiday programme for the company. After working for PGL, Paul volunteered to run a local sports programme in Malawi and also to help local children and their families build schools and houses for their communities. This gave him an excellent insight into living in a less economically developed country which will be extremely useful for the second half of the expedition. Paul is a very keen rugby player, representing the University in competitions. Proficient and versatile in the outdoors, Paul is a lead climber and looks to gain his SPA and further his canoe coaching qualifications in the very near future. Following the University degree, Paul plans to enter the outdoor sector and soon run his own outdoor centre.
Chairman
Patrick Little
Before coming to University, Patrick spent time working in the Australian outback providing Outdoor Education at a school in Alice Springs. After completing a year teaching, he travelled to Fiji where he learned to scuba dive. This was the start of his diving career and is now completing his PADI Dive Master qualification. Patrick is also a keen sailor, representing his school at the United Kingdom Sailing Championship in Portsmouth, finishing 7th and also winning the Scottish and Northern Irish Sailing Championships.
Future aspirations include completing his Scuba Diving Instructors qualification and joining the RAF Regiment as an officer.
Medical Officer
