Robert is a Chartered Civil Engineer having graduated in 1984 from University of Galway. He worked in various construction and facilities management roles in the private and public sectors until joining the University in 2003. As Director of the Buildings and Estates Department, Robert is responsible for all aspects of the physical development of the University campus and the management of the maintenance of the campus buildings and grounds.

To date, Robert has delivered well over €200m of capital developments at the University. Robert serves on the Board of many University subsidiary companies; Plassey Campus Centre CLG, Plassey Trust CLG, Plassey Campus Arena CLG, Plassey Campus Development Ltd. and University Concert Hall CLG.