Allison Paley

Teaching and Educational Leadership

As a Lecturer and Teaching Specialist in Marine Biology at James Cook University I am passionate about creating authentic, experiential learning opportunities that develop students' scientific thinking, confidence and independence. My teaching combines field-based learning, research immersion and quantitative skills development to prepare students for careers in research, conservation, industry and environmental management. I am committed to fostering inclusive, supportive learning environments that encourage curiosity, critical thinking and lifelong learning.

I coordinate the Master of Marine Biology Research Major thesis subjects guiding postgraduate students through research proposal development, project implementation, scientific writing, thesis completion, and coordination of external thesis assessment. I also teach Biostatistics and Experimental Design through James Cook University's international partnership with Southwest University (Chongqing, China), supporting the development of quantitative and research skills in international science students. I contribute to teaching across a range of undergraduate and postgraduate marine science subjects, including Functional Biology of Marine Organisms (MB2050), a core Level 2 subject for Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology) and Bachelor of Marine Science students along with Advances in Marine Biology (MB5000), supporting advanced field-based learning and research training. Previously I’ve coordinated Introductory Marine Science, Introduction to Biological Processes, and Coral Reef Ecology. I have extensive experience delivering experiential, field-based teaching at Orpheus Island (Goolboddi) Research Station.

I provide educational leadership through curriculum development, subject coordination and research training. I developed the curriculum for the Classroom on the Reef education program at Orpheus Island Research Station, creating authentic, immersive learning experiences that connect classroom learning with real-world marine research. I have more than ten years' experience supervising undergraduate and postgraduate research projects in both field and laboratory settings and I am passionate about mentoring students as they develop into independent marine scientists.

Academic Leadership

I am the Associate Dean (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging) within the College of Science and Engineering and Major Advisor for Marine Biology, providing academic advice and mentoring to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Advanced Science Marine Biology majors. I am slso the International Program Coordinator for the partnership between James Cook University and Southwest University (Chongqing, China), supporting international curriculum delivery and student engagement.

As Program Lead for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Marine Science (ATSIMS) program, I work collaboratively with Traditional Owners, Rangers, researchers, industry and government partners to create culturally responsive, place-based learning experiences that support First Nations students to explore pathways into marine science. I also developed the Beyond ATSIMS program which provides ongoing mentoring, pre-professional development, networking building, research experiences and employment opportunities for program alumni, extending support beyond the initial outreach program and strengthening pathways into university and marine science careers.

Research and Scholarship

I am a marine biologist with expertise in coral biology and physiology, specialising in coral holobiont health and the responses of corals to environmental change, including marine heatwaves and microplastic pollution. My research has contributed to internationally collaborative studies published in leading journals including Nature, Science Advances, Frontiers in Marine Science, and Science of the Total Environment. This work has advanced understanding of coral bleaching, climate change impacts on coral reefs, coral resilience, marine conservation, and emerging threats such as microplastic pollution.

My research continues to inform my teaching, curriculum development and postgraduate supervision. I particularly enjoy mentoring students through the research process, supporting them to develop the scientific thinking, technical skills and confidence needed to become independent researchers and marine science professionals.

Current Subjects:

·       MB2050 – Functional Biology of Marine Organisms

·       MB5000 – Advances in Marine Biology

·       MB5902 – Marine Biology Thesis 1

·       MB5903 – Marine Biology Thesis 2

·       MB5904 – Marine Biology Thesis 3