A Fond Farewell & New Beginnings - Retirement Announcement!

This month we mark the end of an era as we say goodbye to John Bowles who is leaving us after working at UCL for 38 years to enjoy a well-deserved early retirement. John originally joined our department in 1986 as a mechanical engineer and worked primarily for the Rock & Ice Physics Laboratory and subsequently supported other laboratories in the department as the engineering demand expanded. John was promoted to Senior Experimental Officer and his work included the design, development and manufacture of unique research experimental equipment that simulated geological conditions at great depths.

In addition to his engineering expertise, John has also carried out a wide range of departmental duties over the years. These duties include managing the departmental mechanical workshop, demonstrating on departmental geophysics field trips, currently serving as the Head of Laboratories, heading up the technical staff in the department, and holding the position of Departmental Safety Officer for the last 25 years.

Another of John’s major roles has been the Departmental Estates Manager, and one of his biggest challenges was to coordinate the Kathleen Lonsdale Building renovation which was part of the UCL Buildings Masterplan, and included relocating, specifying and refitting of Earth Sciences’ analytical Laboratories, teaching areas, research rooms and offices. When this project was completed on 17th April 2018, the Kathleen Lonsdale Building was reopened by Sir David Attenborough.

John has been an integral part of our department all these years, lending his expertise and knowledge to help us achieve some of our most challenging projects. His commitment, dedication and attention to detail have always been meticulous. As John moves on to the next phase of his life, we wish him all the very best in his retirement. He can be proud of his many accomplishments and the positive impact they have had on our department over his many years of service.