Dr Jason D. Everett
I work at the intersection of biological oceanography, data science, and spatial planning, with a core focus on understanding and managing marine ecosystems in a changing climate. I integrate large observational datasets with cutting-edge modeling techniques to address critical questions in marine science.
My main research focus applies data science to design climate-smart marine protected areas in order to develop practical conservation solutions. I develop and deploy tools like the spatialplanr R-package and the shinyplanr tool, both of which aid in running prioritization analyses for marine spatial management. These tools are used globally, from the Weddell Sea to various island nations such as Kosrae in the Federated States of Micronesia, and Vanuatu. My recent publications highlight my contributions to assessing climate risks, improving food web models, and identifying priority areas for marine conservation.
I also have a strong interest in biological oceanography and understanding how oceanographic processes shape global pelagic food webs. I analyze how flow regimes, currents, eddies, and upwelling events influence the biomass, species distribution, and size structure of zooplankton communities, which is crucial for understanding energy transfer through marine food webs. To support this, I develop innovative tools like the planktonr R-package for plankton data analysis and visualization, and the Biological Ocean Observer, a Shiny application that integrates, analyzes, and visualizes biological data from Australia’s Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS).
Beyond my research, I dedicate myself to sharing knowledge, co-teaching statistics and data science in R Workshops @ UQ in February and July each year.
My comprehensive approach, blending deep biological oceanographic knowledge with advanced data science and spatial planning, positions me at the forefront of marine ecosystem understanding and conservation efforts.
Find out more about my Research, and the Tools we have released on these pages.
Currently, I’m a Senior Research Fellow in the Mathematical Marine Ecology Research Laboratory at The University of Queensland and a Visiting Scientist at The University of New South Wales and CSIRO Environment.