Dr Kohlhagen started his work in Science communication while still in senior high school. Working with founding Director of Questacon (Dr Mike Gore) he helped establish a small community science centre, that later grew to be the nation's leading Science and technology centre. During these years, Dr Kohlhagen helped pioneer effective exhibits, staff? training programs, and the internationally regarded Shell Questacon Science Circus, with its associated university Master of Science Communication degree. At Questacon he held the roles of Manager of Exhibition development, New Concepts, Manager of Master planning and strategy,and Deputy Director - Questacon (Director of Science and Learning).