Dr. Philip Walls, Independent Consulting Expert, Materials Scientist
Phil talks about his career journey. Starting as a graduate of Engineering Materials in Newcastle, he went on to work in various locations around the world before deciding to settle in Australia, where he has been instrumental in solving challenging issues in the materials processing and manufacturing space.
You have over 30 years’ experience as a Material Scientist, what inspired you to enter this field of work?
It started in school where I was very interested in woodwork, the different types of wood and their quite different properties, some soft and easy to work, some very hard and durable. Toward the end of school, I decided to study the Science of Engineering Materials at NewcastleUniversity, in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the UK , where I learnt about metals, polymers, and ceramics. I went on to specialise in some very hard and high temperature resistant silicon nitride ceramic alloys where I earned my PhD. I wanted to apply my knowledge in industry and so, through my university professor, I secured a position at Nippon Steel Corporation in Japan. I worked there for 6 years developing and troubleshooting advanced ceramic components for various industries. During that time, I also worked at Krosaki Refractories in the south of Japan, developing refractory materials for the steel and aluminium metal industries, amongst others. After Japan I moved on to Australia and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) where I spent 16 years developing nuclear waste-form materials and solving a variety of materials related issues with Australian industry partners. I left ANSTO in 2008 to start Hitech Materials and proactively work in the areas of materials processing and manufacturing issues that led to failures.
You are considered an expert in this field, what advice would you give to a colleague that is interested in pursuing a career as an Expert Witness?
If you have extensive knowledge in an area like helping solve problems and working with a diverse range of people, then jump in. Don’t be shy!
What does an average day in the life of Phil Walls look like?
Firstly, a cup of coffee! Then I go out into the garden to see what the day is going to be like, a quick breakfast and get down to business. I work on current projects first, then email filtering to weed out the trash, followed by some research, always research in the areas I’m interested in!
Tell us about your decision to sign up as a Consulting Expert with HKA?
I viewed signing up with HKA as an opportunity to reach a global client base. HKA staff have been very helpful in sourcing expert work, dealing with the legal side and in discussing report strategy for specific projects.