Hello Jeremy,
I don't think I can answer those questions, but if you'd like a friendly ear or two from CEG's stable, try me. Colin was my supervisor 1987-1992, and a light in my life. My examiners in 1992 were Christoph S. for KCL and Dan Hardy external. My subject was TFT.
I'd like to know what your 'thesis' is in the narrow sense.....God bless you -
Richard Kirby
Edmonds, near Seattle USA