I graduated from Monash University, Melbourne with Bachelor of Medical Science (1966, majoring in physiology) and Doctor of Philosophy (1970, thesis title “Myothermic Investigations of Muscle Contraction”). My postdoctoral work on muscle energetics and vectorial metabolism led to my pioneering the use of mechanistic computer simulation for studying problems in theoretical physiology.

After an academic career which produced over 30 scientific research papers, I then applied computer simulation to the creation of highly interactive software for computer-based learning. These activities began at the University of Melbourne’s Department of Physiology where I produced that university’s first electronic tutorial to be sold overseas in 1992.

I then directed Monash University’s Quality Education at a Distance (QED) Research Unit from 1994 to 1997, producing over 30 new titles in electronic learning resources and turning Monash University into a net exporter of electronic tutorials during that period.

By 1997 the activities of QED Research Unit were attracting sufficient interest for a viable privatisation move to be considered, and the activities of the unit became fully privatised on January 1, 1998 through the commercial operations of QED Interactive Pty Ltd which flourished for eight years as a supplier of CD-ROM- and web-based learning applications for Monash University, the University of Melbourne, RMIT University, the Mt Eliza Business School and Tonart Productions (see Educational Software).

I continued these educational software developments as part of my general academic duties as an Associate Professor at Monash University's Gippsland Medical School for six years from April 2008.

I am also a part-time professional concert pianist.