His research focus is on utilising waste streams as feedstocks for the production of biomaterials and biofuels. The outcomes from these activities feed into broader biorefinery research programs, which aim for waste streams to be routinely utilised as feedstocks.
He has authored over 50 scientific papers on related topics, with his major contribution to the field of environmental biotechnology being the invention of the TOGA® Sensor for examination and control of biotech/bioprocess systems. Widespread interest in TOGA® led to an agreement between Massey University and Scion for the commercialisation of the technology.