Leigh Franks

Leigh Franks has a diverse work experience spanning over several industries and roles. In 1996, they worked as a Senior Surveyor at Western Geophysical of America until 1998. Later in 1998, they worked as a Field Geodetic Survey QC Consultant at Houston Geoscan Inc, focusing on ensuring quality control of seismic positional data. They then moved on to NZAM in 1999, where they served as the Manager of Field Operations. From 1999 to 2002, they worked as a Surveyor at Clark Fortune McDonald & Associates. In 2011, they joined BBA Seismic as an Exploration Consultant, a role they held until 2017. During this time, they also worked as a Teacher at Marlborough Boys College in 2016. In 2017, they established their own consultancy, Leigh Franks Independent Exploration Consultancy, serving as an Exploration Consultant until 2019. In 2020, they joined Geoscience Australia as an Assistant Researcher, contributing to the Geochronology and Stratigraphy section and aiding in the preparation of ambient seismic data. Since 2021, they have taken on multiple roles at Geoscience Australia, including Field Access Coordinator and currently as an Earth Observation Validation and Quality Scientist. They are also associated with the University of the Sunshine Coast and Education Queensland as a Researcher and Educator since 2017.

Leigh Franks has a diverse education history. From 2017 to 2020, they attended the University of the Sunshine Coast, where they pursued a Research Doctorate in Applied Geochronology. Prior to that, from June 2003 to July 2004, they completed a diploma in Science Teaching (DipTL) at Christchurch College of Education. From 1992 to 1996, Leigh Franks studied at the University of Glasgow, where they obtained a B.Sc. Honours degree in Topographic Science. Before their university education, Leigh Franks attended Humphry Davy Grammar School from 1976 to 1982, followed by St. Ives Comprehensive School from 1977 to 1981. Additionally, they acquired an HNC in construction science from the University of Wolverhampton, although the specific dates of their study are not provided.