Mark Finean

Hello! I'm Mark Finean

I have a background in Physics, Finance and Robotics, and I love problem-solving. I aspire to use my skills and technology to have an impact on the world.

Across this page, I showcase my history and achievements in various fields. Feel free to contact me for any opportunities or collaborations.

Mark Finean

I love using technology and mathematical tools to tackle hard problems.

EDUCATION

2017-2022

University of Oxford

DPhil in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence

Specialised in optimisation and prediction methods for full-body manipulators in dynamic environments under the supervision of Dr Ioannis Havoutis.

Published research in multiple top-tier conferences and journals.

Completed taught modules, including:

Machine Learning
Data Estimation and Inference
Reinforcement Learning
Signal Processing
Optimisation
Computational Game Theory
Discriminative & Deep Learning for Big Data
Robotics & Vision

Mini-projects:

Reinforcement Learning
Algorithm Implementation for Robotics

2012-2016

Master of Physics

University of Oxford

Dissertation on Electrodynamic Trapping and Manipulation of Macroscopic, Non-Spherical Particles in Ion Traps under the supervision of Professor Chris Foot and Dr Elliot Bentine.

Specialised in Theoretical Physics and Laser Science and Quantum Information Processing

Awards:

‘College Scholarship’ for academic excellence in examinations (all years)
Awarded ‘Collections Prizes’ for outstanding performance in college examination papers

EXPERIENCE

April 2023 - March 2024

Dyson

Achieved rapid career advancement due to exceptional technical expertise and proactive leadership, demonstrating
significant contributions in both technical and team management domains

Instrumental in migrating the software stack from ROS1 to ROS2

Specialised in Python and C++ for the development of advanced robotics algorithms, with a strong focus on motion
planning and perception technologies

Jan 2022 - March 2023

Dyson

Senior Robotics Research Engineer

Engineered and deployed cutting-edge GPU-accelerated motion planning algorithms utilising CUDA, Python, and C++.

Facilitated cross-functional team collaboration to focus on full-stack profiling and optimisation, leading to notable improvements in system performance and latency reduction.

Initiated and led a division-wide professional development program focused on elevating programming skills and fostering a culture of technical excellence and innovation within the Robotics division.

Sept 2019 - Jan 2020

Dyson

Advanced Robotics Intern

Refined and optimised cutting-edge motion planning algorithms in C++, tailoring them to the company’s specific in-house research needs.

Conceptualised and developed an integrated hardware demonstration, successfully presenting the innovative solution to senior management.

Nov 2016 - July 2017

ETF Trader

KCG Holdings (Now Virtu Financial)

Engaged in high-frequency market-making and proprietary trading of ETFs.

Diligently monitored trading books and provided critical support in hedging.

Leveraged advanced SQL, Python, and VBA skills to optimise and streamline business processes, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and data management capabilities.

Achieved CISI Level 3 certification in UK Financial Regulations and Securities.

Sept 2016 - Nov 2016

Orbis Investment Management

Investment Analyst Intern

Conducted comprehensive research and developed sophisticated financial models to identify and evaluate global investment opportunities, delivering high-quality insights and analyses.

Organised and led meetings with company management, performing thorough due diligence, culminating in successful stock recommendations based on informed assessments.

June 2016 - Aug 2016

KCG Holdings (Now Virtu Financial)

Sales and Trading Intern

Performed in-depth quantitative analysis of historical trades, examining the impact of latency on trade execution costs.

Utilised VBA skills to automate and refine trading procedures, achieving significant improvements in process efficiency and reliability.

Acquired a comprehensive understanding of High-Frequency Trading, Market-Making and the step-by-step process of Order Execution.

June 2015 - Sept 2015

University of Oxford, Atomic and Laser Physics

June 2014 - Sept 2014

Summer Research Student

Developed and built a particle trap and transport system - presented at The Royal Society conference on Condensed Matter.

Summer Research Student

University of Oxford, Particle Physics

Created and developed MATLAB models of novel proton and photon therapy plans for brain (GBM) tumours.

Extensive collaboration with clinicians and presentations given to PTCRi group conferences.

April 2024 - October 2024

Dyson

Principal researcher for the Future Robotics Research team focused on delivering manipulation capabilities

Responsible for strategising both long-term and short-term project roadmaps, alignment with stakeholders across the
business, and ensuring effective team coordination and timely delivery of objectives

Manage a team of ~10 researchers and engineers, performing robotics research and integrating with a software stack

Develop and deploy learning-based methods in simulation and on hardware (Python and C++)

Conduct technical research in areas including Imitation Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Task-Oriented Grasping,
Language-Conditioning, and the integration of transformer-based architectures

Lead Robotics Research Engineer

Associate Principal Robotics Research Engineer

October 2024 - Present

Carbon13

A Technical Founder in Cohort 7 of Carbon13's Venture Builder Programme for the climate emergency.

Together with 80 bright minds from tech, science and business, I am working on climate tech solutions that have the potential to significantly reduce and prevent emissions.

Technical Founder