Jess Marsh

Dr Jess Marsh has a strong interest and passion for invertebrates, especially spiders. Her research mixes taxonomy (or the naming and describing of new species) and conservation biology: the challenges of working out what species we have, what is threatening them and how best to protect them. Her work focuses on short-range endemic species, those that have very small ranges, and because of this are at higher risk of extinction. Perhaps the epitome of this being cave-adapted species, which can sometimes be restricted to a single cave. She has a love for lesser explored areas, such as caves, and for the invertebrates that live within.

Dr Marsh is an ARC Industry Fellow at the University of Adelaide; Co-Chair of the Australia Species Specialist Group, IUCN Species Survival Commission; and co-founder of Invertebrates Australia.