I've been in or near Canberra most of my life, having gone to high school and university here. Prior to university I was very interested in biology and genetics (largely thanks to a wonderful biology teacher and a scuba diving trip to the Barrier Reef), which ultimately brought me to ANU. When I got to ANU things changed a little in that I focused more on chemistry, and separately developed a broader interest in economics, finance and public policy. 

My honours year facilitated my recognition that pursuing a PhD in chemistry was not for me (for now, perhaps), so I decided to pursue my interest in public policy by joining the Australian Public Service as a graduate at the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities. I have since spent time in a range of roles across transport security, air traffic policy, and infrastructure policy and financing, and am now working in spatial data policy at the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science.

In terms of my career and motivations, I certainly have not ended up where I expected. I would, however, also argue that aiming to only end up where you expect is a somewhat limiting approach to a career. I am broadly motivated by a commitment to make Australia a better place, an eagerness to learn new things, and a drive to help the public service continually improve.

My hobbies include maintaining a small share portfolio, travelling overseas regularly, playing plenty of video games, reading lots of books, and skiing whenever I can.