Welcome to Our Team!
Here, you’ll get to know the remarkable individuals who power our organization with their unique skills and unwavering dedication. Our team is a diverse group, each member contributing their expertise and passion to help us achieve our goals. Join us in learning more about the talented professionals who are driving our mission forward.
Michael Ockwell
Michael Ockwell boasts over a decade of experience in the communications sector, encompassing network design, diagnostics, and software engineering. His versatility makes him a valuable asset for diverse projects. As a skilled software engineer and cross-platform developer, he navigates everything from embedded systems to mainstream operating systems like Linux and Windows with ease. Notably, Michael played a pivotal role in the University of Aberdeen’s groundbreaking project—a compact subsea holographic camera. He led the development of an innovative FPGA-based hardware-accelerated hologram reconstructor, revolutionizing digital holography with near-real-time reconstructions, opening up exciting new possibilities in the field.
NICHOLAS BURNS
Dr. Nicholas Burns obtained his PhD from the University of Aberdeen in 2011, following the development of his groundbreaking hologram analysis software. As a post-doctoral researcher, he continued to advance hologram analysis techniques and played an integral role in enhancing eHoloCam, a subsea holographic camera capable of operating at depths of up to 10 kilometers underwater. Dr. Burns played an integral part in the University of Aberdeen’s ambitious project to create an ultra-compact subsea holographic camera, overseeing the electrical layout, camera control firmware design, and the development of ultra-fast particle extraction methods. Leveraging these advanced extraction techniques, he significantly improved hologram analysis capabilities, driving outstanding innovation in the field.
Recognition & Awards
A vital role in the development of a series of “Holocameras” and associated software
I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Dr. Burns since he became a postgraduate student of mine at Aberdeen University. Since then he has taken a series of appointments under my supervision as a Post-doctoral Research Fellow. The common theme throughout this work was the development of a series of Aberdeen University “Holocameras” and the associated software.
These cameras are unique in that they are designed to take holograms of marine plankton (sizes from tens of microns to a few millimetres) in situ and non-destructively. Nick’s contributions here were vital in getting the work to its advanced stage, and although he works now with his colleague Mike Ockwell in the company Hi-Z 3D (a company they established together in 2017) they are both still active in these projects and others springing from Aberdeen University.
I am happy to recommend Nick for any work you may have in the electronics and software areas.
– Professor John Watson, University of Aberdeen
Dependable, Knowledgeable and not afraid to offer counsel
In the 13 years I have worked with Mike Ockwell, through a number of companies, his technical skills have always led the way, when it came to providing me with solutions.
Dependable, Knowledgeable and not afraid to offer counsel, to achieve something in a different, more efficient or effective way, I’d thoroughly recommend Mike to anyone looking for a strong technical lead in complex scenarios.
– Neil Tucker, Company Director and Charity Trustee
Working with the team at Hi-Z 3D is always a great pleasure
OceanTools has been working closely with Hi-Z 3D since 2019 and we used them to develop the core technology for our range of DyeTectors™. The DyeTectors are the most advanced subsea leak and dye detection systems on the market and are a true world-leader.
Working with the team at Hi-Z 3D is always a great pleasure as they are great listeners, great electronics engineers and their after sales support is fantastic. We now use Hi-Z 3D for the design of many of our products including our AC powered subsea lighting systems and the associated PowerPOD.
– Kevin Parker, Managing Director