BSc Applied Geology 1985 University of NSW

Phd Geochemistry 1991 University of Tasmania

I began my research career in igneous petrology and geochemistry with David H Green at the University of Tasmania, before moving to the ANU where I held an ARC postdoctoral fellowship in Malcolm McCulloch's group. At ANU I developed novel ICPMS methods to make precise and accurate analysis of trace elements in basalts and mantle samples. This expertise provided the foundation for developing the ANU's world leading HelEx laser ablation ICPMS technology in partnership with Michael Shelley and Les Kinsley. We pioneered the use of deep UV lasers and laser sampling cell designs that have become widely adopted by manufacturers and research labroatories around the world. I subsequently focused on applying LA-ICPMS in novel ways to problems in environmental geochemistry, dating and reconstruction, as I shifted my research interest to marine biogeochemistry and biomineralization processes in marine calcifiers (especially foraminifera) with a particular focus on how biomineralisation processes influence the incorporation of geochemical and isotopic proxies in the skeletons and shells of corals, molluscs and foraminifera and how this impacts past ocean and climate reconstructions.

PhD (Geochemistry) University of Tasmania (1991)

Using novel isotope and trace element approaches to solve problems in the Earth and environmental science, in particular understanding biomineralisation processes and how trace elements and isotopes are incorporated into the shells and skeletons of marine calcifiers. 

Developing and verifying geochemical proxies to reconstruct past changes in climate and ocean conditions.

Current research focus:

1. Culture of marine calcifying organisms under controlled laboratory and monitored field conditions to determine responses in shell/skeleton chemistry to varied environmental conditions
2. Measuring changes in ocean Ca chemistry to determine changes in calcification rates, dissolution and carbonate transfer within the ocean.
3. Exploring ways to reverse the impact of rising atmosphere and ocean CO₂ bthrough enhanced carbon transfer in terrestrial and marine environments.
4. Using innovative microanalysis techniques to investigate biomineralization processes (eprobe, LA-ICPMS, microCT, TEM, FTIR, Raman, and epifluorescence microscopy).