Stephen obtained his BASc in Geological Engineering in 1991 from the University of Waterloo and received a MASc in Civil Engineering in 1993 from the University of Toronto for his pioneering work on how to approach and assess a shotcrete lining's load carrying capacity in blocky ground. From this beginning, he has gone on over the next 30 years to build a thriving professional engineering practice in ground engineering, tunnelling and trenchless technology. Throughout his career, he has worked on a wide variety of projects, both here in Australia and internationally.