Person

Watson, Jeanette Esther (Jan) (1927 - )

AM

Born
October 1927
Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
Occupation
Marine zoologist and Metallurgist

Summary

Jan Watson studied metallurgical chemistry, having been prevented from enrolling in geology, at the Ballarat School of Mines, the first female student at the School. Undeterred, she ultimately graduated in geology from the Melbourne Technical College. Having learned to SCUBA dive in the early 1960s her interests turned towards marine zoology. She became a world authority on the taxonomy and ecology of hydroids. Watson's diving skills were integral to her marine research. She discovered a new algal family while diving at 75metres in Great Australian Bight. In 1972, having completed a benthic survey of a proposed thermal outfall for Victoria's State Electricity Commission, Watson established the successful consultancy, Marine Science and Ecology, to provide environmental assessments to industry. She was active in scientific societies, joining the Australian Marine Sciences Association on its foundation, and being a Member of the Royal Societies of South Australia and Victoria. For many years she was an Honorary Associate of Museum Victoria.

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Details

Chronology

1947
Education - Graduated from School of Mines, Ballarat
1947 - 1949
Career position - Metallurgical chemist, M. B. Johns Valves, Ballarat
1951
Career position - Metallurgical Chemist, Defence Research Laboratories, Maribyrnong
c. 1961 - c. 1971
Career position - Secondary school science teacher
1962 - 2002
Career position - Foundation Member, Australian Marine Sciences Association
1972
Career event - Established marine environmental consultancy Marine Science and Ecology
1991
Education - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Deakin University
2002 -
Award - Honorary Life Member, Australian Marine Sciences Association
2020
Award - Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to marine science and ecology, and to professional associations

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Published resources

Journal Articles

  • Watson, Jeanette, 'AMSA Honorary Life Member Jeanette Watson', Australian marine science bulletin, 159 (2022), 7. Details

Resources

Helen Cohn

Created: 20 June 2022

EOAS ID: biogs/P007016b.htm

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