In the late 1980’s I trained in protein and peptide separation and the very sensitive detection and characterisation of peptides at Monash University. In 1994 I joined Jim McCluskey’s laboratory at Flinders University and began a fascination with immune recognition and the key role peptides play in modulating health and disease. I soon found that my skills in analytical biochemistry and mass spectrometry had found the perfect niche. After further post-doctoral studies at the University of Melbourne I was awarded the CR Roper Fellowship in 2003 and began an independent research career in which I have applied cutting edge mass spectrometry techniques to key questions in immunology. In 2005 I moved to the Bio21 Institute as the Grimwade Senior Research Fellow in the Biochemistry Department at University of Melbourne. In 2008 I was awarded an NHMRC Senior Research Fellowship and in 2009 appointed as a Reader in the same Department. In July 2012 I was recruited back to Monash as Head of Quantitative Proteomics as a Professorial Fellow.