CURRICULUM VITAE
Dr. Lisa-ann Gershwin
3/127 George Street, Launceston, Tasmania 7250
Mobile: 0408 080829
Email: lisa.gershwin@stingeradvisor.com
Web Page: www.stingeradvisor.com
Citizenship: Dual Australia and USA
I have a strong interest in marine invertebrate taxonomy and pest dynamics, with expertise on
seven classes in two phyla of jellyfish. In my last 17.5 years of research, I have discovered over
160 new species (about 70 published, with the rest in various stages of preparation), published
almost 50 peer-reviewed papers (including those currently in press or in review), secured nearly
$500,000 in funding, and visited over 90% of the accessible coastline of Australia. My work is
intensely museum and field orientated, building and researching museum collections around
Australia and overseas. I am also passionately committed to inspiring young scientists and
communicating the ‘wow’ of the natural world to non-scientists.
QUALIFICATIONS
2005
Doctor of Philosophy, Marine Biology
James Cook University, Townsville, QLD / 2003-2005
Taxonomy & phylogeny of Australian Cubozoa
(2003)
Doctor of Philosophy, Integrative Biology (deferred)
University of California, Berkeley, USA / 1997-2003
Evolution of jellyfish from Precambrian to present
1997
Bachelor of Science, emphasis in Marine Biology
California State Univ. Northridge, USA / 1993-1997
Honors & Magna cum laude
Zoological & Botanical breadth, skills in molecular methods
1993
Associate of Arts
Los Angeles Pierce College, USA / 1990-1993
Biology, Computer Programming, Communication
Other Courses
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2005 – Introduced Species Workshop, Dept Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry
2004 – Histological Methods (short course), James Cook University
2003 – Senior First Aid, current
2001 – Phylogenetic Inference, University of California Berkeley, USA
1998 – Australian Drivers License
1998 – Fulbright Scholar, 1998-1999, University of Tasmania & SA Museum
1997 – DNA Methodology, California State Univ. Long Beach, USA
1996 – Taxonomic Short Course, University of Washington, USA
1988 – Advanced Open Water SCUBA Certification (PADI)
Dr. Lisa-ann Gershwin
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CORE SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES
I count myself as extraordinarily privileged that I have been able to make my passion my job. I
enjoy discovering new things, working in the field or laboratory; acquiring new knowledge and
skills, and passing to others a contagious enthusiasm and insatiable curiosity about the natural
world and its inhabitants.
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Excellent skills in scientific research: field collection, laboratory study, library research,
analysing data, thinking laterally, writing, and publishing;
Working knowledge and detailed experience with DELTA, LucID, Platypus, PAUP, Nexus
Data Editor, MacClade, and teaching knowledge of EndNote and Dreamweaver;
Certified SCUBA Diver with extensive experience in temperate and tropical waters;
High level of commitment to community education;
Extensive experience in morphology, molecular methods, histology, microscopy;
Extensive experience in public speaking to audiences of all sizes and backgrounds;
Extensive experience with media, including print, radio, television, and documentaries;
Proven track record on project design and implementation;
Excellent skills in proposal writing for large and small grants and projects;
Editorial skills for monthly newsletter and as referee for scientific journals;
Effective time management and problem-solving skills;
Proven capacity to acquire necessary knowledge quickly;
An easy-going, friendly, hard-working style.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
I have been able to formally describe about 70 new species to date, including many new genera
and several new families. Having made extensive contributions in alpha taxonomy, I am ready
to move forward investigating the more muscular issues in the jellyfish world.
Current overseas research on links between climate change and exploding jellyfish
populations suggests that the timing is excellent to research the driving forces and ecological
and economic outcomes of jellyfish blooms in Australia. Temperate Australian fisheries stand a
logical probability of increasing problems with jellyfish pests and plagues such as have occurred
overseas, yet Australia lacks expertise to recognise early indicators or to manage these
problems. Baseline biodiversity data are still lacking in most places.
The nomenclature that embodies the relationship between the benthic polyp and the
pelagic medusa stages in the Hydrozoa is another of my strong interests. The current
classification scheme is problematic, and I am committed to employing morpho-genetic
techniques to derive a more natural classification.
Museum Victoria’s molecular facilities and strategic location in southern Australia make
it a perfect venue for me to study both of these emerging fields, as well as continued studies in:
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Taxonomy of jellyfishes, with emphasis on endemic Australian fauna;
Effects of climate change and other ecosystem perturbations on jellyfish populations;
Phylogenetic relationships of jellyfish species and higher taxa;
Evolution of jellyfishes from the Precambrian to the present;
Marine stinger management;
Introduced species: their prevention and management;
Managing the effect of jellyfishes on commercial fisheries;
Life cycles and early development of lower invertebrates.
Dr. Lisa-ann Gershwin
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OUTREACH & SCIENCE EDUCATION
I am committed to the production of new scientific knowledge and to interpreting and
communicating that knowledge to scientists and non-scientists through a variety of outreach
opportunities. One of my proudest accomplishments was the establishment of an exhibit of a
working laboratory staffed by volunteer students and interns: a place to raise baby jellyfish as
well as young scientists. Some of my other outreach activities include:
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Science Show, 4BC Radio Brisbane (weekly summers, fortnightly rest of year, since 2008);
Keynote Speaker, SciCon Science Educators, Nelson, New Zealand, July 2010;
Bugs, Grubs & Slimey Things, School Holiday Program QVMAG 2009-2010;
Design and Production of museum exhibitions in the US and Australia, including a large
permanent Biodiversity Exhibition, QVMAG 2009-2010;
Primary Researcher (volunteer) in Exhibit of a Working Laboratory, Cabrillo Marine
Museum/Aquarium, Los Angeles (1993-1997);
University lectures, public seminars and professional workshops (1993-2010);
Popular articles published by me or about me (e.g., New Scientist, National Geographic);
Twice a guest on Robyn Williams’ The Science Show on ABC (2004; 2007 Best-of’s);
The Irukandji, 60 Minutes, Aug. 2004;
Director of Australian Marine Stinger Advisory Services, a consulting company
specialising in injury prevention and jellyfish management, with extensive stakeholder
engagement including government, tourism, medical, and the public;
Plus many speaking engagements and interviews in newspapers, magazines, television
and radio.
RESEARCH GRANTS
In recognising the importance of external funding, I have achieved success in identifying
potential resources and bringing them to fruition and publication. As demonstrated below, I
have accessed funding from highly competitive international and national sources such as
Fulbright and ABRS, as well as private foundations and community groups. I have obtained
some further $700,000 in safety program funding, not included below.
I believe that the current situation of environmental instability and jellyfish blooms is
likely to attract more government funding to this research area.
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2010 – $6K, Enhancements to Australian Faunal Directory, ABRS (PI)
2009 – $25K, Australia-Thailand Institute, Dept of Foreign Affairs (Aus), (co-PI)
2008 – $180K, Taxonomy of jellyfishes, ABRS (#208-82, PI)
2007 – $30K, Taxonomy of jellyfishes, ABRS (#207-63, PI)
2004 – $40K, Aquaculture of Irukandji, CRC Reef (PI)
2004 – $15K, Irukandji studies, Robert King Memorial Foundation (PI)
2003 – $10K, Irukandji collecting and breeding, Lions Foundation (PI); (5K each 03, 04)
2001 – $7K, Collection Improvement Grant, Smithsonian Institution (PI)
2000 – $53K, Biodiversity of Australian jellyfishes & ctenophores, ABRS (#20045, co-PI)
2000 – $50K, Irukandji Antivenom Project (Uni Melbourne, Rotary, JCU, CRC) (co-PI)
1998 – $50K, Fulbright Fellowship
1997 -- $10K, Mentoring Fellowship, PADI Foundation
1995 – $10K, Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Howard Hughes Medical Institute
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$486,000
Dr. Lisa-ann Gershwin
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MUSEUM COLLECTIONS STUDIED
My science is strongly museum-orientated. It contributes to the development of collections and
the research use of them. I have travelled extensively around the world studying type
specimens, local varieties and unidentified specimens, as well as collecting and depositing new
material. As an honorary with the SAM and MTQ/QM, I have particular emphasis on building
and studying those collections. I have disseminated my morphological and field techniques in
recent papers and workshops.
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Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery, Tas
NIWA & Te Papa, Wellington, New Zealand
Queensland Museum, Brisbane
Museum of Tropical QLD, Townsville
South Australian Museum, Adelaide
Tasmanian Museum and Art Galleries, Hobart
Northern Territory Museum, Darwin
Western Australian Museum, Perth
Zoological Museum of the University, Copenhagen
Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC
Museum of Natural History, Paris
The Natural History Museum, London
Naturalis, Leiden
South African Museum, Cape Town
California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco
Australian Museum, Sydney
Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History
Portabello Marine Lab, Dunedin, NZ
Paleontological Institute, Moscow
Scripps Institution of Oceanography, California
Cabrillo Marine Museum, Los Angeles
2009-2010
2007-2010
1999-2010
1999-2008
1998-2010
1998-2010
1998-2007
1999-2006
2001, 2009
2001
2001
2001
2001
2001
1994-2001
1998-2000
1993-1999
1998
1998
1993-1997
1993-1997
FIELD SITES SAMPLED
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Approximately 90% of accessible coastal Australia
Moreton Bay, QLD (intensively)
Circum-Tasmania (intensively)
Western Australia (intensively)
Palm Cove, QLD (twice daily, 93 days)
Nuyts Archipelago, Great Australian Bight
Cold Bay, Alaska
Eastern North Pacific – San Diego, CA to Vancouver, BC
Midwater trawls, San Pedro Channel, Los Angeles
Chesapeake Bay, Virginia and Maryland
Tobago, Caribbean
San Sebastiano, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Cape Town, South Africa
Circum-South Island & Stewart Island, New Zealand
Moorea, French Polynesia
Dr. Lisa-ann Gershwin
1998-2010
2005
2002
2000
1999-2000
2002
2002
1995-2002
1993-2002
2001
2001
2001
2001
1998
1998
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RELEVANT EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE
01/09 – 12/10
Launceston
QUEEN VICTORIA MUSEUM & ART GALLERY
2 Wellington Street, Launceston, TAS 7250
QVMAG is Australia’s largest non-metropolitan museum,
established 120 years ago. The collections contain over 350,000
Natural History specimens.
As Curator of Natural Sciences, I was Head of Department for
Zoology, Botany, Paleontology and Geology. My duties included
research, exhibition development, public programs, and
supervision of four technical staff, 14 volunteers, and five
honoraries.
Under my supervision, Natural Sciences accomplished many
milestones for which I remain very proud, including:
 >50,000 records uploaded to OZCam;
 Development of a major Biodiversity Exhibition with
extensive e-labelling and fact sheets;
 A temporary exhibition highlighting Darwin’s
accomplishments in the triple-anniversary year of 2009;
 Development of an Image Database for QVMAG specimens
and Tasmanian species;
 Transfer of the Collection Databases from Texpress to
FileMaker, with extensive staff training and consultation;
 A major relocation of staff and collections in preparation
for building renovation;
 Clean up and organisation of the departmental Shared
Drive on the computer system;
 A comprehensive review of departmental safety equipment
and procedures;
 Strengthened linkages with UTAS, TMAG, & Royal Society;
 Doubled the number of jellyfish known from Tasmania.
While I love Launceston, the opportunity to work for another
museum would be a dream come true, and would allow me to
pursue the higher level of research that I am ready and eager to
take on.
07/07 – 12/08
Townsville &
Adelaide
IN-HOUSE HONORARY, SOUTH AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM
North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000
During this period, I was working on an ABRS grant through the
South Australian Museum, completing numerous manuscripts and
making improvements to Australian Faunal Directory and Species
Bank. I also ran my own consulting business on marine stinger
safety and injury prevention during this time.
Dr. Lisa-ann Gershwin
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08/05 – 05/07
Townsville
SURF LIFE SAVING QUEENSLAND
18 Manning Street, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
Surf Life Saving, an iconic Australian volunteer organisation, is
considered by many to be the authority on beach safety.
As Marine Stinger Coordinator, I was responsible for developing
and implementing all aspects of the public and in-house programs
on prevention of marine animal injuries for all of Australia.
My proudest achievements include a 75% reduction in the number
of hospitalised stings, through a consistent, accurate and balanced
safety message pro-actively delivered to industry and the public.
Unfortunately the program lost government funding.
03/03 – 07/05
Townsville
JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY
Townsville, QLD 4811
As a PhD student at JCU, I built a research program into the
identification and classification of jellyfish, as well as being the first
to breed Irukandjis. During my thesis work, I discovered 14 new
species of life-threatening jellyfish around Australia, as well as
identifying the new species that killed a snorkelling tourist on the
Great Barrier Reef and a young child on Cape York.
I earned my PhD in 2005, but kept an office on campus for two
more years as a Research Associate until I relocated to Adelaide.
Prior to 2003: I was a full-time student from 1990 (split between Australia & US from 1998),
including teaching Biology 1B at University of California Berkeley 8/97-12/97.
HONORARY APPOINTMENTS & VOLUNTEER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Through my own volunteer and honorary appointments, I have gained a sincere and grateful
appreciation for contributions by unpaid staff, that has been reflected in my active recruitment
and nurturing of them, particularly students and early career researchers.
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Medical Advisory Panel, St John Ambulance Australia, 2/08-present
Honorary Research Associate, Museum of Tropical QLD, 9/03-present
Honorary Research Associate, South Australian Museum, 3/03-present
National Marine Stinger Advisor (Honorary), Surf Life Saving Australia, 6/05-7/07
Jellyfish Safety Consultant, Pearl Producers Association, 3/04-12/08
Research Associate, Joint Genome Institute, 9/01-12/02
Golub Microscope Collection Curator, U.C. Berkeley, 8/01-12/01
Irukandji Antivenom Project, Surf Life Saving Australia, Cairns 11/99-3/00
Research Associate, U.C. Museum of Paleontology, 8/97-12/02
Research Coordinator, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Los Angeles, 1/93-8/97
Midwater Lecturer, Research Vessel Vantuna, 10/94-8/97
Dr. Lisa-ann Gershwin
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CONSULTANCY REPORTS
Gershwin, L. (2009) Stinger safety assessment, Darwin Lagoon, NT. Consultancy report for NT
Government and Darwin Lagoon Corporation.
Gershwin, L. (2007) Facts and figures on stinger risks in N QLD. A report for the Australian Film
Commission. 4 pp.
Gershwin, L. (2007) Identification of specimens from the Fraser Island stinger incident. A report
for the QLD Government Irukandji Task Force. 6 pp.
Gershwin, L. (2007). Stinger Risks in the region of the Yongala. An Expert Statement report for
the Court of Queensland. 11 pp.
Gershwin, L. (2007). Marine Animal Hazard Assessment in Bowen, QLD. A report for BazMark,
for Baz Luhrmann’s “Australia”. 4 pp.
Gershwin, L. (2007). Report of the 2006 Marine Stinger Road Show. A report for the QLD
Government Irukandji Task Force. 84 pp.
Gershwin, L., Dawes, P., Fenner, P., Gage, G., Drake, L., Small, G. & Moss, K. (2006) Marine
Stinger Risk Management Guidelines. Surf Life Saving Queensland, Brisbane, 43 pp.
Gershwin, L. (2006). Current state of knowledge on Physalia and its treatment. A report for the
Australian Resuscitation Council. 10 pp.
Gershwin, L. (2006). Identification of the Causal Agent in Bamaga fatality 8 Jan 2006. A report
for the Coroner of Queensland. 6 pp.
Gershwin, L. (2004-2005) Stinger Updates. Quarterly reports for the Townsville City Council
Beach Safety Committee. 2-6 pp.
Kingsford, M.J. & Gershwin, L. (2003) Control of Cassiopea population in Lake Alexander: A
report for the Darwin City Council, 16 pp.
Gershwin, L. (1999) A preliminary assessment of medusae and other gelatinous zooplankton
which may pose a threat to fisheries in Tasmanian waters. A report for Huon Aquaculture and
the Tasmanian Salmon Cooperative, 4 pp.
OTHER INTERESTS
I have a wide variety of interests beyond jellyfish, although, admittedly, I do passionately enjoy
my work with them.
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Macro photography
Film
Herb and vegetable gardening, carnivorous plants, and ferns
Poetry (writing and reading), and Sudoku
Asian cooking
Classic convertible cars (1989 Mx-5, 1964-68 Mustang, 1957 T-bird...)
Exploring beyond the travel brochures
Natural history of lower invertebrates and fungi
Unfortunately, although I’m a Gershwin and love music, I cannot sing or compose!
Dr. Lisa-ann Gershwin
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