WOMEN IN SEABIRD SCIENCE
Jessica Zhou
she/her
PhD candidate, Research Assistant
University
Discipline
Behaviour, Conservation, Migration & Movement Ecology
Regional Focus
Tasman Sea, Australia; Ashmore Reef, Australia; Great Barrier Reef Islands, Australia
Years Active
3-5 years
Species Focus
Albatrosses (Diomedeidae), Tropicbirds (Phaethontidae), Petrels and Shearwaters (Procellariidae), Storm-Petrels (Hydrobatidae & Oceanitidae)
Tell us about your work with seabirds.
Jessica Zhou (she/her) works in the Research, Ecology, Conservation Group (Monash University). Her current work focusses on applied ecological research to inform appropriate conservation planning in Australia, especially during a shift towards offshore energy. This includes delivering seabird censuses in marine waters around southern Australia, flying drones on offshore islands to monitor tropical seabird breeding colonies, and deploying tracking devices on albatross and petrels at sea to analyse behaviour and identify potential risks.
What advice would you offer to individuals aspiring to pursue a career as seabird scientists?
Seabird work is inspiring and fulfilling but often hard to get a start in. If you're passionate about seabirds, stick with it! Volunteering on some projects, showing your interest, and making some good connections will help you break into this field. And get used to being puked and pooed on!
Jessica Zhou wearing a red jacket and life vest, sitting in a plastic chair against the side of a boat and holding an immature Black-browed Albatross. The ocean is in the background. The albatross was banded and given a satellite tag after this picture was taken.
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