Adrian graduated with a Bachelor of Science from LaTrobe University in Victoria, Australia, and conducted postgraduate research into the ecology of the big-bellied seahorse in Tasmania, obtaining a BSc Honours degree from the University of Tasmania, Hobart, in 1994. After working in a number of roles for government marine fisheries research departments in Tasmania, Adrian spent some eight years as an environmental consultant, undertaking baseline and environmental impact studies for government and industries such as mining, and oil and gas. This work sent Adrian to all corners of the globe and was the beginning of his forays into deep sea biology, undertaking studies in remote locations for several high-profile projects. Adrian made the leap back into research and commenced a PhD in 2007.
Adrian is studying the ecology and biogeography of lanternfishes (and other mesopelagic fishes) at The University of Queensland. He is a Research Associate at Museum Victoria and is also co-supervised by CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, Hobart.