Over the past decade, I have led several large research projects related to the socio-economic and policy implications of changes for regional communities and industries – both in Australia and in Asia-Pacific countries (including the current projects listed above). I'm an experienced project leader, having managed a diverse range of projects with a combined value of over $4 million. I've also published widely on the socio-economic aspects of rural development and related issues for a range of audiences, with over 100 research reports, refereed articles, books/book chapters and conference papers.

In recognition of my expertise, I'm currently an Adjunct Professor with the Faculty of Forestry at the University of Gadjah Mada (Indonesia) and the Institute for Land, Water and Society at Charles Sturt University, where I contribute to PhD supervision. I've thrice been awarded an Erskine Fellowship to undertake research and post-graduate teaching at the University of Canterbury (New Zealand), and was a Visiting Fellow at the Oxford Forestry Institute, University of Oxford (UK) in 1999.  

I am also periodically contracted by various organisations as a Senior Consultant to evaluate national and regional environmental programs. I have facilitated workshops and training forums that focus on capacity building of rural communities and organisations, conflict management, and developing mutually beneficial partnerships between communities and companies, and have worked throughout Australia and in Indonesia, Laos, Papua New Guinea and South Africa during the past decade.