I am an expert computational chemist, making use of the broad range of quantum chemistry methods and tools to investigate chemistry across the periodic table. I have authored 145 papers in peer-reviewed journals. My research is focused on applications of quantum chemistry to relevant problems in chemistry. In particular, the group has published widely on (i) the study of luminescent materials and their properties, and (ii) main group chemistry. In all cases, we are interested in probing fundamental aspects of bonding and electronic structure.

I joined the Department of Chemistry at La Trobe University in 2005. I completed my PhD at the University of Newcastle (Australia) in 2003, whereby I took-up a postdoctoral position in Oslo, Norway, to work with Prof Trygve Helgaker in the development and benchmarking of quantum mechanical methods. During that time I worked on the Dalton quantum chemistry program, implementing new methods and subsequently studying the electric and magnetic properties of molecular systems. I am a co-author of the Dalton quantum chemistry program.

I am a Member of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI). I have served on the committee of the Physical Chemistry Division for 8 years, including 2 years as chair and 6 years as treasurer. 

I have also won numerous teaching awards, including a national OLT Citation in 2013, and the Vice Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence (La Trobe) in 2010. I have held a School leadership role as Director of Teaching and Learning in the School of Molecular Science, which includes chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, physics, and pharmacy. In 2021 I was recognised with a Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Authority (SFHEA).