A lifelong 'maker', Timothy's interests in both teaching and research, are in the teaching of science with an integrative approach, STEM integration and the use of design-and-make activities. He has always been keen to develop learning resources and laboratory activities that cater to the integrated, interdisciplinary teaching of the natural sciences in schools. In particular, he is interested in approaches that in recent years have become defined as 'maker culture', such as where learners learn science by building their own instrumentation or devices. He is also interested in the use of technology in science education, such as using connected internet of things (IoT) sensors for data acquisition and analysis for applied learning; and in the use of 360-degree video media for immersive learning environments (ILE). Timothy teaches pre-service curriculum studies in Computer Applications (CPA) and Primary Science, selected in-service courses in Primary and Lower Secondary Science, as well as undergraduate academic subject courses in molecular genetics and biotechnology. He is also part of the team at the meriSTEM@NIE Centre. Timothy's broad portfolio is both reflected in and possible because of his background. He obtained a BSc (Honours) in Biochemistry and worked at Tan Tock Seng Hospital as a Medical Technologist prior to receiving his MSc from NIE/NTU for his work on the serological diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Working full-time in NIE since 2003, his focus transitioned to teaching and learning of science and he eventually obtained his PhD in Science Education from NIE/NTU.

Timothy is a Council Member of the Singapore Association for the Advancement of Science (SAAS), and a member of the American Educational Research Association (AERA), European Science Education Research Association (ESERA), Australian Science Education Research Association (ASERA), International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA), and The Singapore Institute of Biology (SIBiol). He has been on the Organising Committee for the International Science Education Conference (ISEC), Singapore (2006, 2009, 2014, 2018, 2021), Organising Committee of the International Biology Olympiad held in Singapore (2012), as well as past Editor of the SIBiol Bulletin (2007-2010), past Honorary Treasurer (2003-2006), Council Member (2006-2013) of SIBiol.