About
Natalie Jones is a Lecturer in Ecology at Griffith University's School of Environment and Science - Environment and Marine. She conducts research on community ecology, focusing on how environmental conditions and species interactions structure biodiversity. Her work spans terrestrial, freshwater, and marine systems, utilizing field experiments, modeling, and theoretical frameworks. Jones is a member of the Australian Rivers Institute and actively contributes to Sustainable Development Goals 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land).
Education:
- PhD in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Canada (advisor: Prof. Ben Gilbert)
- Postdoctoral Fellowship at University of Queensland with Prof. Margie Mayfield
- Research at University of California San Diego with Prof. Jonathan Shurin
Research Interests: Her research explores species persistence, colonization dynamics, global change impacts, and ecological theory testing through interdisciplinary approaches. Key themes include dormancy mechanisms, trophic interactions, and climate-driven community shifts.
Grants & Awards:
- Hermon Slade Foundation Grant (2024-2027) for dormancy research
- 2020 Elton Prize (Best Early Career Paper in Journal of Animal Ecology)
- Griffith University Internal Grant (2022-2024) for floodplain biodiversity studies
Labs/Teams: Affiliated with the Australian Rivers Institute, focusing on freshwater and marine systems. Active in Griffith Sciences interdisciplinary collaborations.
