Ecological modeller Dr Jess Melbourne-Thomas has been named Tasmania’s Young Tall Poppy Scientist of the Year for her work in communicating science.
Dr Melbourne-Thomas, who works at the Australian Antarctic Division and Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre, received the prestigious award in September at the Australian Institute of Policy and Science Young Tall Poppy Awards ceremony.
The awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of Australia’s young scientific researchers and communicators. The award winners are encouraged to take part in education and community outreach programs.
‘Probably the biggest buzz I get from the work I do is communicating my research and I strongly believe that it is a fundamental component of our role as scientists,’ Dr Melbourne-Thomas said.
Dr Melbourne-Thomas’ research uses ecosystem models to simulate and test different management strategies and to help determine what’s driving change in particular components of the ecosystem. These results can then inform where and how to best coordinate and invest in further research and monitoring.