After graduating from the University of New Brunswick with a B.Sc. in Geology in 1977, he worked in the mineral exploration industry before turning to a research career. In 1992 he received a Ph.D. in Planetary Sciences from the University of Arizona. His research interests are the role of impacts in the solar system, small bodies in the solar system (asteroids and comets), and meteoritics. He also has a strong interest in professional ethics. His hobbies include science fiction, hiking and scuba diving.