After finishing psychology degree, Nen became involved in early entheogenic acacia research (1992-6) in NSW, looking at chemical, botanical, psychological and ethnobotanical usage. Befriended A. maidenii pioneer JG. Was the accidental first test subject of A. obtusifolia. In the late '90s did detailed work with indigenous communities researching what was known about 'clever people', the last 'shaman' of the continent. 2001-5 undertook detailed pharmacological & chemical surveys of previously unstudied Australian plants (awaiting publication).
2006 temporarily retired from work to look after family.