Place of birth

Eastwood, New South Wales

Education and qualifications

Tertiary:      The University of Sydney (Agriculture), New South Wales Secondary:  Parramatta High School, New South Wales Primary:      Epping Public School, New South Wales

Career positions held

Visiting Professor (Soil Science) University of Canberra Assistant Chief, CSIRO Soils Senior Principal Research Officer Assistant Analyst, NSW Dept Agriculture

ASSSI position held

First President of the NSW Branch President, ACT Branch J.A. Prescott Medallist (1988)  First Inaugural Harald Jensen Lecture, NSW Branch (2005)

Video interview

When did/why did soil science first appeal to you?

As an undergraduate student at The University of Sydney. I was inspired by teacher Gorden Hallsworth.

What were the most significant developments in soil science during your career?

Development of the stratigraphic approach to soil field studies (plus 14C dating) Concept of soils and landscapes as dynamic systems with measurable rates of change Understanding of water movement in soils (and solutes)

What were your main contributions to soil science?

Survey: Sydney Area. Studies: a) stratigraphy of soils of glaciated land in Iowa, USA b) understanding the basis of acid sulphate development in coastal floodplains (Kempsey) c) soil erosion processes - rain impacted water flows d) ultrafine particle size of soils