Dr O’Connor is a Senior Research Scientist at the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries’ Port Stephens Fisheries Institute. His undergraduate studies were undertaken at Newcastle University and he received his PhD from University of Technology, Sydney, working on aspects of scallop physiology and reproductive biology.
He has over 20 years experience in Aquaculture research and has worked on a variety programs including algal culture and the development of propagation techniques for a number of molluscs such as oysters (edible and pearl), scallops, mussels and clams.
Currently, Dr O’Connor leads molluscan research programs that range from the development of selective breeding techniques and triploid induction to environmental impact and ecotoxicological evaluations.
Dr O’Connor is an editor for the journals Aquaculture and Aquaculture Research. He is the author of over 50 peer reviewed publications (papers and book chapters) and over 100 other publications in conference proceedings, reports and magazines.
He has worked internationally on behalf of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research and has conducted program reviews for the Australian, Israeli, US and Singaporean Governments. He is a member of several international molluscan and aquaculture societies and currently sits on a number of research and advisory committees for edible oyster and pearl oyster industries.