John is an Emeritus Professor in the School of Biological Sciences at Monash University.

He is an algal ecophysiologist and his primary research has been on photosynthesis and the impacts of global change on the algae that form the basis of most freshwater and marine food chains. He studies the effects of ocean acidification on various aspects of the biology of marine algae and has also been involved in studies of factors driving the growth and toxicity of cyanobacteria that cause problem blooms in inland waterways.

John also has interests in more applied aspects of algal biology, such as using algae for bioremediation of heavy-metal-contaminated water, and growing algae for biofuels and other useful products.

Although now ‘retired’, John is still active in publishing papers covering the above topics.