Episode 18: Dr Jess Melbourne-Thomas (CSIRO)

My interview guest for this episode is Dr Jess Melbourne-Thomas, a scientist with CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, based in Hobart. Jess specialises as atransdisciplinary researcher and knowledge broker in the marine ecosystem modelling and risk assessment group. Her work is focused on “helping to bridge the science-user-policy divide, as well as understanding how people make decisions, how they use information, and how best to communicate and engage regarding change and management for marine social-ecological systems” (a quote from her CSIRO on-line profile). Among the many interesting things Jess relates about her pathway in marine science and her various roles, you will hear her talk about her passion for Antarctica and her earlier work in that region, as scientist with the Australian Antarctic Division, and her lead involvement in the Homeward Bound expeditions. You will also hear me quiz Jess about her prestigious awards, including being the 2015 Young Tall Poppy of the Year for Tasmania (Australian Institute of Policy and Science), the 2020 Tasmanian Australian of the Year (National Australia Day Council), and being one of 12 noted female scientists to be featured as a constellation on the ceiling of the Grand Central Station (New York City) as part of General Electrics's Balance the Equation Initiative.​​