Leo gained an MSci (First Class Honours) in Chemistry from University College London in 2006. After several years in administration, he embarked on a PhD in Chemistry at the University of St Andrews, graduating in 2015. His computational research into biological molecules bore fruit with six publications. He began working with AsiaEdit in 2016 as a freelance editor of chemistry and allied subjects. In 2019 he stepped up to the role of Managing Editor, Physical Sciences.

Outside of work, Leo is a frequent runner and occasional triathlete. At St Andrews he was a keen hill-walker but studiously avoided playing golf. At his current rate, there is a decent chance he will eventually manage to read every novel by Philip K. Dick.