He received his BSc from the University of Melbourne, Australia, and PhD from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) in 2008. He has since held research scientist positions at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS) and Dauphin Island Sea Lab in Alabama. His research interests include global jellyfish populations and their roles in biogeochemical cycles, oil spills including effects of Deepwater Horizon on planktonic food webs, and ecosystem metabolism. He also runs the TEAMS program (Toward Elementary Advancement Module in Science) designed to teach young students the process of science and to involve them in scientific research along with developing and nurturing their interest in marine science.