I am Associate Professor and disciplinary expert in Terrorism and Security Studies at Charles Sturt University. I am one of the most published scholars on terrorism in Australia. I have published two books, over 20 academic papers in leading expert journals, made numerous submissions to government inquiries, worked as an expert witness, conducted research for and with government authorities, and appeared in the media over 350 times.

I am first author in over 70% of works. I have achieved a H Index of 12 since joining academia in 2019. ​In 2024, I was found to be the top Australian researcher in my field, and one of the top 250 researchers nationally based on the quality and impact of my work.​ 

My research focuses on terrorism and extremism in western democratic contexts.​ My research on right wing extremism has canvassed transnational and domestic networks, ideologies, the role of myth, virtue and vice, the participation of women, online vectors, and more. My research on left wing extremism has examined both historical and contemporary strategies and ideologies, providing a definitional framework for left wing extremism. My research on religious terrorism has explored their presence and networks in Australia, tactical evolution, and targeting considerations. I have published extensively on youth radicalisation and recruitment, ideology, online extremism, and countering violent extremism.​