Educated at Imperial College, London, I spent periods of time working in research roles within the Pharmaceutical (Abbott Labs), Petrochemical (BP) and Food (Unilever) Industries. I have worked within the High Education Sector in Australia for over 35 years, being initially appointed as a Queen Elizabeth II Research Fellow at the (then) Research School of Physical Sciences, at ANU for four years, before relocating to Wollongong in 1989. Since being appointed to the (now) School of Chemistry, University of Wollongong, I have acted in many teaching, research and service roles, including Head of School (2001-2008) and Dean of Faculty of Science (2000, 2008-2012). From 2013 to 2021 I was the Executive Director of the Australian Institute for innovative Materials (AIIM) at the University's Innovation Campus site in North Wollongong. I am currently Emeritus Professor at UOW.
I have broad research interests in Materials, Physical and Analytical Chemistry with a strong record of working with Industry in mining, water, manufacturing and food industries.