Jessica Melbourne-Thomas

Jess Melbourne-Thomas is a Research Scientist with the Australian Antarctic Division and a Project Leader with the Antarctic Climate & Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre. In her work, she uses mathematical models of marine ecosystems to understand how these systems function and how they might respond to climate change and other human activities. Jess was named Tasmania’s Young Tall Poppy of the Year in 2015 for her excellence in research, science communication and policy engagement, and was one of 30 Australian Superstars of STEM in 2017. She co-founded the Homeward Bound Program for women in science and leadership, which sent the largest ever all-female voyage to Antarctica and was a finalist in the Womens’ Agenda leadership awards for 2017. Jess was one of twelve women scientists to have her portrait featured as a constellation on the ceiling of New York’s Grand Central station, as part of GE’s Balance the Equation campaign.

Jess Melbourne-Thomas appears with thanks to Program Partner Australian Antarctic Division.