He earned his Doctorate in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Michigan. He subsequently worked as a postdoctoral researcher and, later, as a Visiting and Research Assistant Professor at Tulane University in Louisiana. With interests in threatened and endangered species, especially amphibians and reptiles, he has worked on such broad-ranging issues as habitat destruction, climate change, and amphibian disease. He currently resides in Belfast and, when not teaching or conducting research, he is engaged in such pastimes as hiking, camping, birdwatching and generally just being outdoors. He is excited to be part of on-the-ground land conservation efforts by SRLT and its partners.