Jessica Worthington Wilmer

Dr Jessica Worthington Wilmer is an Evolutionary Biologist and the Manager of the Molecular Identities Lab, within Queensland Museum's Biodiversity & Geosciences Program. Along with day-to-day lab management and administration, Jessica’s multifaceted role encompasses scientific research both in the field and lab, managing frozen tissue and DNA collection items, as well as public outreach.

Jessica uses genetic data to gain insights into the history and the processes of how Queensland’s incredible biodiversity came to be. Having a better understanding of species and the forces that influence them, can directly improve the effectiveness of on-the-ground management and wildlife conservation programs.

While at the museum, Jessica has been involved in genetic research projects on a range of species including mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and marine (sponges, sea anemones), and fresh water (artesian snails) and terrestrial (spiders) invertebrates. As a result of some of these projects, Jessica has been involved in the description/redescription of almost 30 new species and genera.

Awards

• Australian Postgraduate Research Award (Priority Award), 1992-1995
• American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowship, 1999-2000
• Queensland Museum Scholarship, 2007

Areas of expertise

• Population and landscape genetics, molecular systematics.