Mr Pennycook was a member of a Japanese – New Zealand astrophysics project called "MOA" (Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics), which essentially looked for dark matter candidates using various techniques. Mr Pennycook’s part of the project was published in the journal Astronomy. His postgraduate papers were in modern physics—astrophysics, nuclear physics, quantum mechanics and relativity. Mr Pennycook has taught astronomy and mathematics at university. As well, he has a background of studies in psychology and education at postgraduate levels. He has published in science education magazines and climbing magazines. Indeed, he is an accomplished mountaineer, being co-founder and editor of New Zealand's most visited mountaineering information website, www.mountainz.co.nz. Mr Pennycook has been a full-time editor for Edanz Editing since the beginning of 2007, and edits in fields related to physics, mathematics and the physical sciences.