Mentor Background

What is your area of expertise?

Are you interested in mentoring high school or college students, or both?

How did you become interested in this area?

This started around ten years ago when Alan's father passed away in 1994. His father was a Nuclear Veteran who did not discuss much of what it was like being a Nuclear Veteran at the time.

During an open day, Alan met a Veteran who worked on Christmas Island, and since then, has been interested. Alan became involved in raising awareness by being a charity chairman and founded this organisation bringing the world together. Alan himself did not know much about it, and he had a direct link to someone in Nuclear testing; therefore, learning more about the impact and the influence this has. It was very interesting on a geographical, scientific, and historical level. This is not taught in schools. Therefore, Labrats want to get the message across as much as possible, making sure these individuals are not forgotten and that people have an understanding of the impact the testing has.

What was your career path to get here?

Alan is a fellow of the British Computer Society, Chartered IT Professional, and Clore Social Fellow. A Fellow of the Learning and Performance Institute who has a Master's Degree in Business Administration.

As Alan got more involved with the organisation and the nuclear test veterans, more time was spent on that. This is how Labrats was set up. Listening to the stories and conferences, he began to understand the massive impact this has worldwide and dedicated time to this.

Why should the public care?

The public should care as this has impacted everyone in the world. Nuclear weapons are here and being used politically, with a lot of money being put into nuclear deterrents to have them. Developments carry on. These weapons are more strong than ever before. As a result, the public must be made aware that these weapons exist and can be used.

People are affected today with health issues, and another problem associated with Nuclear testing is the radioactive material. If this leaks into the ocean, it will impact everyone. Therefore, understanding the issues and threats these weapons have to people is vital.

Another reason the public should care is due to The Nuclear Veterans who have been refused recognition by many countries and their families are suffering the consequences.

What is a current issue or trend that concerns you?

Nuclear weapon arsenal is a current issue or trend that is concerning. The weapons are still here. The destructive power they hold is apparent. However, much money is still invested in this, and people make so much money from nuclear weapon developments. The big issue is that some people want them eradicated and gone. The countries should communicate and sign TPNW to prevent the planet from getting destroyed. 

Would you be willing to speak to a classroom about your work?

What themes or topics would you be interested in lecturing or discussing with a class?

Alan's area of expertise is Nuclear weapons testing across the world.

LabRats communicates the issues associated with nuclear testing to ensure individuals are more generally aware of the impact of nuclear testing on the planet, the world, and ecosystems.

The history of nuclear testing from the start is essential. Few people understand how much testing happened in such a short duration. Britain tested until 1991. Therefore, this is not ancient history and does impact everyone, even if this is not directly. Their expertise on nuclear testing, it's history, and the awareness of its impact is used for victim assistance as part of TPNW.