Lachlan has a BA (Hons) in English Literature and PhD in Cultural Studies from The University of Melbourne and has taught in the Community Cultural Development program since its inception in 2005. Previously, he lectured in Cultural Studies at The University of Melbourne and coordinated the research program for the Faculty of Victorian College of the Arts.

Lachlan’s academic research examines the theory and aesthetics of community-based art, arts-based research methods and cultural politics. His doctoral research project Bisexual Terrorism investigated the historical conjunction of bisexuality and terrorism in popular film and literature.  He has published widely on contemporary cultural production, particularly graffiti and street art.

Lachlan has been involved in a range of CCD and community arts projects, including  Melbourne City Council's Aerosol Art Project. He has also worked with key cultural institutions, including the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), Melbourne Queer Film Festival, Melbourne Fringe Festival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival and regional projects, such as the Casterton Lights project and the Words in Winter Festival, Daylesford.