Dr Matthew Collins is a Senior Lecturer in Physics. Matt’s teaching includes all aspects of physics taught within the school. Matt's PhD research was in the area of theoretical physics specifically mathematical modelling of laser/plasma interactions for use in inertial confinement laser fusion research. He was interested in this area because if fusion energy can be developed for commercial use it offers a secure long term source of energy with many environmental advantages. Matt has recently been working in the areas of quantum and astrophysics. Along with Dr. Allan Ernest he has been developing a quantum model (gravitational eigenstates) to explain the origin and nature of dark matter. The approach applies the principles of quantum mechanics to gravity to develop a quantum model for matter in a gravitational field.