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Jennah Williams

from Bartender to Marine Scientist
I use GIS to solve environmental problems
Industry
Geospatial
Company
Esri Australia
Job Level
Senior

Ask me about

  • Why I like sharks so much
  • What it was like moving across the world
  • What is GIS and how you can use it

About me

  • International Experience

Over the past decade and across three continents, I have been fortunate enough to work in and around my two greatest passions: Marine Science (specialising in anthropogenic impacts and shark science) and STEM education.

I hold a Bachelor’s (Hons) and Master’s degree in Marine Science from North Wales University Bangor (UK) and a Master’s Degree in Education from Curtin University (AUS). I grew up in the UK and worked across the world, but am now based in Brisbane, Australia, focusing on engaging the next generation in STEM education and expanding the field of scientific research with GIS (Geographic Information System).

About my role

  • Confident
  • Creative
  • Innovative
  • Passionate
  • Sociable

A Science and Education Manager works closely with high school and university students to implement geospatial technologies into curriculum and research. In Jennah's role at Esri Australia, she also collaborates with scientific research institutes, government bodies and NGOs to advance their geospatial skills. She advocates the importance of 'location' in identifying research patterns and works to support her fellow earth scientists in their efforts to protect endangered species and delicate ecosystems. From an educational perspective, she focuses on enlightening young minds about environmental issues.

Education

  • BSc - Marine Vertebrate Zoology - University of North Wales Bangor
  • MSc - Marine Ecology - University of North Wales Bangor
  • MEd - Master of Education - Curtin University

Subjects

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Dance
  • Drama
  • English
  • General Mathematics (Maths A)
  • Physics
  • Science

Awards

  • Geospatial Excellence Award Winner 2023

Hobbies

  • Beach adventures
  • Boxing
  • Gym
  • Reading
  • Seeing family and friends

15 year old me!!

“Get involved! Do the volunteering, attend the event, allow your passion.”

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Wanted to be a marine scientist from age 6
  2. Studied marine biology then moved to America then Australia
  3. Spent 10 years working as a marine scientist
  4. Stepped away from marine science into education
  5. Combined education and marine science in my role at Esri Australia

My typical day

My employer

Through our SheMaps partnership we have been able to welcome geospacial advisors from various employers. Esri Australia is the exclusive local distributor of Esri's world-leading Geographic Information System (GIS) software and a member of the world's largest group of ArcGIS specialists outside of the United States – the Boustead Geospatial Group. GIS technology is the application of location-based analytics – using the science of geographical intelligence to analyse multiple, complex datasets layered over defined territories, revealing hidden trends and patterns.