Tim's interest in the marine environment started at school when an inspiring science teacher formed a student group to investigate the marine echinoderms of Victoria. After a six-year career as a software developer, Tim began his PhD in 1996 on the spatial distribution of animal communities on rocky reefs across Victoria.
Since becoming a curator at Museum Victoria in 2001, his research has focused on using the vast amounts of data and tissues stored in museum collections to address issues of biodiversity conservation and management. His aim is to quantitatively map seafloor faunas around Australia and surrounding oceans and investigate the biogeographic, evolutionary and ecological processes that contribute to present-day patterns.
Tim has contributed to numerous projects and committees at state, national and international levels, particularly involving the design of marine protected areas, impact of human activities, introduced marine species, and fisheries.