Mark is originally from Perth, Western Australia, where he studied Chemistry at both The University of Western Australia and Murdoch University. He completed his PhD in Science Communication through the Centre for the Public Awareness of Science at The Australian National University (ANU).

In recognition of his contributions to chemistry education, Mark received the Pearson/RACI Centenary of Federation Chemistry Educator of the Year Award in 2011. The following year, he was honoured with a Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning as part of the Australian Government Awards for University Teaching. He has also been recognised with the Joint Colleges of Science Excellence in Education Award at ANU in both 2013 and 2018.

Mark served as a Lecturer in Chemistry at Murdoch University from 1990 to 2001. During this time, he was also the Academic Coordinator of the Annual WA Science Summer School (1995–2001), where he became well known for his engaging and interactive approach to teaching high school chemistry. His excellence in teaching was acknowledged through the Murdoch University Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence in Teaching Award in 1996, and he was shortlisted in the Physical Sciences category of the Australian Awards for University Teaching in 1999.

From 2002 to 2004, Mark was Head of Science at Radford College, a co-educational independent Anglican school in Canberra. He is currently an Associate Professor and First-Year Chemistry Coordinator in the Research School of Chemistry (RSC) at ANU, where he also serves as Deputy Associate Director (Education).