Mitchell is a marine biologist and conservationist, focused on developing methodologies to assist in the protection and conservation of threatened marine species. He has a particular focus on syngnathids, the family of fishes that includes seahorses, sea dragons and pipefish. Mitchell is currently undertaking a PhD focused on developing the conservation methodologies for the Endangered White's Seahorse, Hippocampus whitei, including assessing the efficacy of conservation translocation programs and habitat provision. In this project, Mitchell facilitates the breeding and rearing of juvenile seahorses in aquaria, conducts in-situ seahorse surveying assessing survival and population dynamics, oversees students and interns involved in the project and plays a key role in the project management and organisation of logistics. Recently, through the successful application of the Mosman Environmental Foundation Grant, Mitchell initiated the Sydney Seahorse Project which aims to further the research on White's Seahorse conservation, including a focus on developing the optimal husbandry techniques for captive-bred seahorses to promote post-release survival. Mitchell is a commercially qualified SCUBA diver (ADAS Part1R), has extensive experience in animal husbandry, is adept in wide variety of fieldwork methods, is an active teaching assistant and laboratory demonstrator for tertiary students, and is a keen science communicator including appearances on ABC's Play School, Studio 10, and an assortment of media channels, community festivals and organisations.Mitchell is available for collaborative work on research and conservation projects, and for media opportunities.