Dr Allison Paley

Dr Allison Paley is a Marine Biologist, educator and academic at James Cook University (JCU), with extensive experience in marine science education, educational leadership and STEM outreach and engagement.

As a Teaching Specialist in JCU’s College of Science and Engineering, Allison works across undergraduate and postgraduate marine science education, international education and student pathways. As Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, she also contributes to initiatives that foster a more inclusive, equitable and supportive College community. She is passionate about creating educational experiences and pathways that support students to engage with science, see themselves within it, and succeed.

Allison has a long-standing connection with ATSIMS, first contributing to the program through the development of marine science activities and field resources while completing her PhD, and later taking on its coordination and leadership. As Lead of the ATSIMS Program, she works with First Nations students, Traditional Owners and Indigenous Rangers, schools, scientists, research organisations and other partners. Together, they create opportunities for students to experience marine science, explore further education and career pathways, and gain meaningful experience within the marine and environmental sector.

Her broader STEM education and outreach experience includes developing experiential marine education through JCU’s Classroom on the Reef program at Orpheus Island Research Station, serving as a CoralWatch Ambassador, and teaching marine science to school and university students in Australia and internationally.

It is Allison’s personal mission to convert everyone she encounters into a lover of coral and foster an appreciation for the extraordinary complexity of coral reefs.