David Thirkettle-Watts completed a BSc (Hons) and PhD at the University of Western Australia (UWA) and a PhD in 2004. Following a Post-Doctoral position in the School of Plant Biology at UWA, he moved to Melbourne, joining the Defence Science and Technology Group in 2008. He has applied and developed molecular and cell biology tools for use in a diverse range of projects including the assessment of bio-detection assays, genetic marker discovery in castor bean and organophosphate toxicity. His principal work has been in the use of cell culture models to characterise hazardous chemical agents, with a particular focus on opioids. He also works extensively with national security agencies to enhance their preparedness and response to incidents involving Chemical, Biological and Radiological (CBR) agents.
