The Team
Our Story
Aletheia Imaging Solutions is a spin-out from the University of Manchester. Incorporated in 2021, our aim is to bring metrological traceability to X-ray CT. Aletheia’s patented 3D calibration targets and sophisticated analysis software provide users of X-ray CT with the confidence that their system is achieving sufficient spatial resolution and measurement confidence for the Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) application at hand.
Dr Andrew Bowfield
Managing Director
After obtaining both his BSc and PhD (focusing on XPS) in Physics at the University of Liverpool, Andrew spent five years as an academic researcher broadening into the area of electrical engineering. Two of these years were based at NPL, thus metrology is at the core of Andrew’s experience in research, development and innovation.
Andrew then wished to pursue a career in the private sector, where he became a project scientist / test validation engineer for a company designing synchrotron instruments, followed by a Technical Sales Manager position at an automation services integrator.
It was while working as a Research and Business Development Manager at the Henry Royce Institute that Andrew developed a commercialisation plan for Aletheia’s proprietary spatial target designs. It is his role to ensure Aletheia’s product development pathway continues to be aligned with industry requirements for calibration of X-ray CT systems.
Samuel Johnston
Co-Founder
Samuel Johnston was one of the original founders of Aletheia. He graduated in 2018 with a Masters degree in Physics (MPhys) completed a PhD in Materials Science at the University of Manchester. Sam’s research resulted in him working on the development of several cutting-edge novel X-ray imaging modalities. During Sam’s career he used his extensive knowledge of X-ray CT to deliver training courses in CT theory, image processing and 3D visualisation to both academic and industrial users from across the X-ray CT community.
In parallel to his interest in novel X-ray imaging techniques, Sam engaged in the development of industrial metrology hardware and software solutions to enable to the characterisation of spatial resolution and measurement confidence in X-ray CT. In his role as Scientific Director, Sam spearheading the use of imaging physics and signal processing to unleash the full potential of X-ray CT for non-destructive evaluation applications at Aletheia. on the 4th of July 2024 Sam was involved in a road traffic accident when crossing a road and passed away. Sam was an inspiration to all who knew him and he will forever be missed.
Dr Tristan Lowe
Director of strategy
Originally completed a Master of Engineering at UMIST and then a PhD in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Manchester. It was during this time that he became interested in imaging techniques and the refinement of data collection through specimen preparation and instrument calibration methods.
He joined the Henry Mosely Imaging Facility in 2010, one of the first X-ray CT laboratories in the UK. Tristan continues to collaborate with a number of leading instrument manufactures and data processing companies in developing X-ray CT capabilities. His main interest is in instrument technique development, optimisation and data processing which is based around defect metrology for industry 4.0.
Within Aletheia, he is the principle spatial target designer and application specialist. In this role he ensures that the spatial target designs produced are directly matched to the needs of the customer. In addition to this role he also enjoys developing training materials to demystify the science behind X-ray CT and improve users’ understanding.
Ryan Weller
Fabrications Specialist
Ryan completed his PhD at the University of Manchester in advanced biomedical materials for the healthcare industry.
Bio-medical BEng from University of Hertfordshire, MSc in Biological & bio-process engineering University of Sheffield
He specialises in advanced biomaterials with an inventive and creative approach to advanced imaging techniques in both X-ray CT and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). His work focuses on translating sophisticated scientific capabilities into practical solutions for complex, real-world challenges. Identifying opportunities where advanced imaging can enable discovery, accelerate innovation, and deliver meaningful impact across science, technology and healthcare.
Nathan Pili
Software Specialist
Nathan is a graduate of the University of Manchester, where he obtained a Masters in Physics in 2022 and will complete his PhD in Biomimicry in 2026. His Masters project investigated the importance of spatial resolution measurements in verifying the quality of additive manufacturing powders, which led to his work with Aletheia.
His PhD research focuses on CT scanning pterosaur and bird bones to design and manufacture biomimetic AM components, which led to the development of metrology techniques and research. His work includes publications on the importance of image quality metrics and the principle of diminishing returns in X-ray CT.
As Chief Software Architect in Aletheia, Nathan leads the development of the Aletheia Software package, both in front-end and back-end. He works closely with the users to ensure the software meets their needs, while also serving as the main programmer for the application.