He is a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Canterbury, in Christchurch,[1] and the inventor of the springfree trampoline.
After 4 years of teaching he returned to university to complete a degree in engineering, conducting research on an invention of his own to gain his PhD.
[3] Post graduation, Alexander worked for an engineering consultancy for a period of 6 years, in which time he led a team in developing advanced heavy presses for the New Zealand wool industry.
Following this, Alexander moved to CWF Hamilton, a New Zealand company which pioneered the jet boat, where he worked on a number of projects including waterjet development which resulted in patented innovations.
[4] 1996 saw Alexander take up a position at the University of Canterbury where he still teaches mechanical engineering design & product innovation.