Naomi Gardiner

I am a Senior Lecturer in Marine Biology at James Cook University, where I’ve led postgraduate education, research, and engagement for over 15 years. My work reflects JCU’s values of authenticity, excellence, integrity, respect, and civic engagement, and aligns with our strategic priorities in transformative education, impactful research, and regional relevance.

My research focuses on applied marine science, particularly fisheries, ecological restoration, and citizen science. I lead capacity-building initiatives across the Asia-Pacific, including collaborations with FAO, CTI-CFF, WorldFish, and Indonesian universities. Projects such as the Minke Whale Project and THE QECOTF trawl fisheries bycatch mitigation project integrate stakeholder engagement, biodiversity conservation, and student training. I’ve secured over $4 million in research funding and authored 27 HERDC-recognised publications, with a strong citation impact.

In teaching, I specialise in fisheries science within the Marine Biology curriculum. I’ve developed and coordinated subjects including MB5620 Grand Challenges in Fisheries and MB5610 Fishing Gear & Technologies, embedding innovative pedagogy and real-world interaction. My leadership in curriculum renewal and cohort building has shaped the Master of Marine Biology and MSc Professional programs, with a strong emphasis on graduate employability and impact.

I also serve as Director of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for the College of Science and Engineering, overseeing undergraduate and postgraduate placements, industry partnerships, and policy development. My service contributions span university-wide committees, marketing initiatives, and community-building efforts.

I actively mentor HDR and Masters students, particularly from the Asia-Pacific region, and contribute to interdisciplinary teaching through One Health subjects. My career is dedicated to empowering people, advancing marine science, and sustaining JCU’s leadership in tropical research and education.