Mark is originally from Perth where he studied chemistry at The University of Western Australia and Murdoch University. He also did his PhD in Science Communication through the Centre for the Public Awareness of Science at The Australian National University. He was awarded the Pearson/RACI Centenary of Federation Educator of the year in 2011. Mark was awarded a 2012 citation for outstanding contributions to student learning as part of the Australian Government awards for University Teaching.

Mark was a lecturer in Chemistry at Murdoch University from 1990 until 2001. He was also the Academic Coordinator of the Annual WA Science Summer School from 1995-2001, and in this role he was noted for his interactive and entertaining presentation of High School chemistry material. In 1996 Mark won a Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence in Teaching Award at Murdoch University, and in 1999 was short listed in the Physical Sciences Category of the Australian Awards for University Teaching.

From 2002-2004 Mark was Head of Science at Radford College, a co-educational independent Anglican School in Canberra. Mark is currently senior lecturer and First-Year Chemistry coordinator in the RSC at The Australian National University, as well as the Deptuy Associate Director (Education).