Dr Jane Williamson
Jane Williamson completed her BSc at the University of Sydney, then her MSc (Hons) at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. She was awarded her PhD in Marine Biology in 2001 from the University of New South Wales. Her doctoral research showed how marine herbivores (sea urchins) use chemical signals from algae as cues during different parts of their development. She then continued this research as a postdoctoral fellow with Prof. Peter Steinberg in the Centre of Marine Biofouling and Bio-Innovation at UNSW. In 2003 Jane was employed as a Lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences at Macquarie University.
Dr Jane Williamson is now a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences at Macquarie University, Sydney. She runs the Marine Ecology Group (www.bio.mq.edu.au/marine_ecology), an interdisciplinary research group with a focus on (1) effects of climate-induced changes on larval development and metamorphosis of marine invertebrates, (2) ecology and behaviour of marine invertebrates and vertebrates, and (3) aquaculture of edible sea urchins. Aquaculture-related research has led to the establishment of a spin-off company, AusUni Pty Ltd (www.ausuni.com.au).
In parallel with her research activities she has also contributed to community awareness of science through marine education in primary schools and giving public lectures for local groups. Jane has been heavily involved in the establishment of Sydney Institute of Marine Science (www.sims.org.au) and is on the SIMS? Scientific Advisory Committee.
Jane has been a member of AMSA since 1994 and has rarely missed a Conference! From January 05 to January 07 she was President of the NSW Branch AMSA, a position she found extremely rewarding. Jane firmly believes that scientists have should actively engage with business and local communities to share and extend their knowledge and understanding of the marine environment.