I was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland to Christian parents. I am happily married to Cathy (30 years last July) and we have three adult children. We lived in Glasgow and Brighton in the UK before coming to Launceston in 1990. Since then, I have been an engineering lecturer at the Australian Maritime College where I am currently an Associate Professor and Head of the Maritime Engineering Department.

I became a Christian in 1986 in Brighton, England. I have been involved in various church leadership positions as well as outreach programs such as Saints Alive, Called to Serve and Alpha.

My interests include old cars (I built a replica of an MG TF), computing, digital video, theatre and golf. I am currently learning French in preparation for next years' long service leave.