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Research Team

The dynamic and academically broad BCISS team currently consist of the following members:

• Dr Philip Davies, Director. Originator of the Analytical Simulation Exercise, Dr. Davies concentrates on how intelligence agencies organise themselves.
• Dr Kristian Gustafson, Director of Studies. An army officer in a previous life, Dr. Gustafson writes on military intelligence, covert action, and doctrine.
• Dr Stephen Marrin. Formerly a CIA analyst, Dr. Marrin works on bridging the gap between intelligence theory and practice, particularly in the area of intelligence analysis.
• Group Captain (Ret) Geoffrey Oxlee, OBE, Honourary Fellow. Mr. Oxlee served with the RAF rising to serve as Officer Commanding of the UK’s imagery intelligence agency, the Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre (JARIC). After retirement, Mr. Oxlee established the Kalagate Forensic Imagery Bureau where he also served as its Managing Director until retiring in 2009.

As BCISS is now a University Inter-Disciplinary Research Centre, it has expanded its membership and activities to incorporate know-how from across the entire university to include intelligence-related expertise from engineering, economics and law. Our associated colleagues hold specific expertise in their fields which relate to key aspects of Intelligence and Security.

• Professor John Cosmas, School of Engineering and Design, who works on communications systems.
• Dr Amar Aggoun, School of Engineering and Design, who works on 3D imaging technology.
• Dr Thomas Owens, School of Engineering and Design, who works on communications security.
• Dr Martin Folly, is a Senior Lecturer on the MAISS associated with the Centre who works on American security issues.
• Dr Anja Shortland, Economics and Finance, who applies statistical analysis to tricky security problems.
• Dr Peter Petkoff, School of Law, who works on the law surrounding intelligence and security.
• Dr Christian Heitsch, School of Law, who works on the law surrounding intelligence and security.
• Dr Dimitrios Giannoulopoulos, School of Law, who works on comparative law with an interest in laws of evidence.

BCISS maintains informal links with Professor Kenneth Ryan at California State University (CSU) Fresno, and the CSU Intelligence Community Centre of Academic Excellence. 

Our PhD Students:

BCISS now has on hand a series of highly capable men and women working at the cutting edge of research in intelligence or security matters. Amongst them are:

• Mr. Andrew Brunatti, who is examining intelligence community management architecture in the "4-Eyes" countries.
• Mr. Joe Eshun, who is writing on security and intelligence issues in Ghana and West Africa.
• Ms. Kathrin Herbst, who is working U.S. African Command (AFRICOM) and Private Military and Security Companies (PMSC).
• Mr. Jim Thompson, who is working on counter-terror intelligence.
• Mr. Wouter Vlegels, who is exploring intelligence sharing and cooperation on Cyber-Warfare issues.