Declan grew up in Canberra and attended University of Melbourne and Monash University in Melbourne.

Declan currently works for the Business Partnerships Platform (BPP) as the Vietnam Portfolio Manager. The BPP is a DFAT funded program implemented by Palladium that supports partnerships between the Australian Government and inclusive businesses to create both development impacts and sustainable commercial returns through core business operations.

In 2020, Declan’s research on how ‘Freshwater Fisheries Conservation Can Increase Biodiversity in Laos’ was published in PLOS ONE, contributing to ongoing understanding of how common property resource management can occur successfully in communities with strong social bonds.

Declan takes joy from being outside in nature on skis, on his bicycle, hiking, camping. He is inspired by people who sacrifice personal gain for community service.

Declan’s impact goal is to contribute to an economy that balances environmental sustainability with economic growth and improved quality of life for people.

His life motto: “Life is short, slow down and enjoy the ride.”