Richard assists with collection strategies of multiple projects and is involved with downstream analyses and applications of conservation genetics approaches. He currently works on conservation genomics of Gondwanan Rainforest species, genetic applications for Big Scrub Rainforest Restoration, conservation genomics of Nothofagus moorei and various SOS threatened species projects.

Richard completed his honours with The University of Sydney and The Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, studying evolution and biogeography of the Australian endemic genus Astrotricha (Araliaceae). He worked previously as a Research Assistant with the Royal Botanic Gardens VIC Orchid Conservation Program, which involved researching areas of propagation, cultivation, mycorrhizal associations, and pollination biology some of Australia’s rarest orchid species for conservation initiatives and reintroduction programs