About me

Over twenty-years I have successfully led dedicated teams across forensic science, national security and counter-terrorism, developed and implemented cutting edge scientific techniques, explored new frontiers for forensic science, and educated the next generation of forensic scientists.


I have had the privilege of hands-on analytical experience working on challenging criminal cases, including contributing towards the resolution of Australia's longest cold-case homicide investigation -- the Claremont Serial Murders.


A snapshot of career highlights include numerous leadership roles, for example in one of which I led the team and developed and implemented the processes that achieved and maintained a zero-backlog caseload within the illicit drugs analysis section of Western Australia's state forensic laboratory. I achieved this whilst also leading and managing the broader Forensic Chemistry group, including services across physical trace evidence and clandestine laboratories.


My innovative scientific contributions have been published across numerous peer reviewed scientific publications, and my research efforts currently continue full steam ahead, in conjunction with my teaching efforts educating the up and coming forensic scientists of the future.


I am actively pursuing research across:

  • Forensic Chemistry — illicit drugs, physical evidence, trace evidence
  • Forensic Toxicology — analytical methodology and detection/analysis, metabolism of drugs
  • Identification Sciences — ballistics, impression evidence (fingerprints, footwear, tyres, toolmarks)
  • Crime Scene — preservation and recover of evidence, photography, digital capture (laser, photogrammetry, etc.)
  • Digital Forensics — collection, preservation, recovery and analysis techniques
  • Document Examination — ink analysis, paper analysis
  • Defence/Military Science — evidence recovery in active theatre, chemical warfare agent detection and analysis
  • Policy — drugs in society, national security, counter terrorism

Links

My complete list of peer-reviewed publications
Connect with me on LinkedIn
My Forensics Research Lab at Murdoch

Organisational Affiliations

Academic Chair - Forensic Biology and Toxicology, School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University

Academic Chair - Forensic Chemistry, School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University

School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University

Education

Minerals and Materials
Doctor of Philosophy
Strategy and Innovation
Master of Business Administration (MBA or MBA)
Chemical Technology
Bachelor of Applied Science Honours (BASc)
Chemistry and Chemical Process Technology
Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc)
Analytical Chemistry
National Diploma (South Africa)
Lean Six Sigma
Green Belt