Bob received his Bachelor of Science degree in Limnology and Biology from the University of Central Florida in 1978. He completed graduate work at Mississippi State University and Louisiana State University.

Bob began his career in 1978 as a Research Biologist with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Environmental Laboratory conducting investigations in reservoir limnology, physical and chemical processes in reservoirs and tailwaters, water quality field techniques and monitoring procedures, reservoir sediment quality, and reservoir water quality management. His work in aquatic plant management began in 1989, when he accepted the position of Assistant Program Manager and later Program Manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Aquatic Plant Control Research Program (APCRP). Bob retired from the Corps of Engineers in 2008.

Bob has been a member in the Aquatic Plant Management Society (APMS) since 1989. He served the APMS as Chair of the Site Selection Committee (1998-2003), Chair of the Local Arrangements Committee (1998-2003), Director (1999-2002), Treasurer (2003-2008), and Chair of the Meeting Planning Committee (2003-2008). He was presented with the APMS President’s Award in 2004 and the Honorary Membership in 2008. In addition, Bob has been a member in the MidSouth Aquatic Plant Management Society (MSAPMS) since 1989 and served the MSAPMS as President, Editor, and Director. He was presented with the MSAPMS President’s Award and Honorary Membership in 2008.