Paul started studying engineering at Emmanuel College, Cambridge in 2005 and graduated in 2009 with an MEng degree in Civil and Structural Engineering.  The course provided a grounding in a broad spectrum of engineering subjects, from electronics and control through to structural and geotechnical engineering.  Over the course of his studies, he won the Roscoe Prize for Soil Mechanics in his fourth year and the Third Year Prize for Civil and Environmental Engineering.

His Masters Thesis, "An Investigation into the Plugging of Open-Ended Jacked-In Tubular Piles" was completed in collaboration with the Japanese firm, Giken Seisakusho Co. Ltd..  In his role as the Giken Scholar for 2007, he undertook two summer periods completing on-site research work with their research team.  The aim of the work was to understand the mechanism behind the plugging of open-ended piles in silty-sandy ground.  Preliminary findings of the work was presented at the International Press-In Association Workshop in New Orleans in December 2009.

During his undergraduate studies he had an active role within the Engineering Department, sitting on the Staff Student Joint Committee as well as being President of the Cambridge University Engineering Society.

Paul started his PhD research in October 2009 under the supervision of Prof. M. D. Bolton on the topic of water-injected jacked-in piles, maintaining his links with Giken.  Over the past two years he has re-instigated regular lab meetings and has been a driving force in fixing or improving lab systems - notably the 2D Actuator.