Cleaning out his art studio seven years ago provided the inspiration for Dr Denis O’Connor to begin his PhD titled Chances Taken. Opportunity, repercussion, interpretation: Portraits in time and place.  Dr O’Connor has completed his Doctor of Philosophy through the School of Communication and Creative Industries at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga.  "My thesis, which incorporates drawings, also critically examines the early days of the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, specifically the contribution the city has made to the evolution of studio art glass in Australia through the establishment of the National Art Glass Collection,” Dr O'Connor said. "It's also a reflection of my own personal story and journey as an artist.” Dr O’Connor was awarded his PhD by Chancellor Mr Lawrence Willett AO in a ceremony on Monday 12 December. A passion for art history runs in the family, with Dr O’Connor’s daughter, Ms Sophie O’Connor awarded a Bachelor of Arts during the same ceremony.