I have always been fascinated by the role and impact science has in society. I grew up wanting to be an astronaut, in lieu of this I studied physics. For more than 20 years I worked as a research scientist in both academia (RMIT University & Salford University) and industry (Amcor Research & Technology Centre).
Currently, I am retired and spend my time on solar astronomy and astronomy outreach with the Astronomical Society of Victoria..
As well as holding an ARC Queen Elizabeth II Fellow, I held fellowships and grants from the UK Ministry of Defense (Royal Signals & Radar Establishment, Malvern), the UK Science and Engineering Research Council and the Australian Research Council. I have also worked in corporate, strategy, marketing and consulting roles.
A retired triathlete I have been known to race and enjoy the occasional ultra trail-run.
Experience
2011–present
Science Communicator, Lucid Thoughts
2022–present
Director, Solar Section, Astronomical Society of Victoria
2016–2022
Councillor, The Royal Society of Victoria
2001–2022
Executive Director Innovation, Clarity Now
2015–2021
Manager, Strategic Projects, University of Melbourne
2013–2015
Research Partnerships Officer, University of Melbourne
2012–2013
Senior Research Services Officer, University of Melbourne
2013–2013
Acting Faculty Research Manager, University of Melbourne
1999–2000
Senior Manager, National Leads, National Australia Bank
1994–1999
Principal Research Scientist, Amcor Research & Tecnology Centre
1991–1994
ARC Queen Elizabeth II Fellow, RMIT University
1988–1991
SERC Postdoctoral Research Assistant, University of Salford (UK)
1984–1987
MOD Research Assistant, University of Salford (UK)
1981–1983
Tutor/Demonstrator, RMIT
1980–1981
Technical Assistant, RMIT
Education
2016
The University of Melbourne, Graduate Diploma Arts (History & philosophy of science)
2000
Melbourne Business School, Post Grad Dip
1989
University of Salford (UK), PhD
1986
RMIT, Master of Applied Science
1981
RMIT, Bachelor of Applied Physics
Professional Memberships
The Royal Society of Victoria
Astronomical Society of Victoria
British Astronomical Association
Research Areas
Physical Sciences (02)
History And Philosophy Of Science (Incl. Non Historical Philosophy Of Science) (220206)