Jodi Edwards

Jodi Edwards is the VC Indigenous Senior Research Fellow at the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS) at the University of Wollongong. With a 30-year career spanning government roles in education, employment, and policy, she specializes in integrating Indigenous cultural knowledges into marine science, policy, and education. Her research emphasizes symbiotic relationships between Aboriginal communities and marine ecosystems, particularly through projects like the award-winning 'Yirran Muru' Playscape, which maps Shellharbour City’s Aboriginal marine narratives.

She holds leadership roles in research governance, securing over $1 million in grants, including an ARC Linkage project for Blue Energy Futures Lab and the 'Unbroken Whispers' grant (2024–2026). Her teaching spans 25+ years across primary, secondary, and tertiary education, including curriculum development for NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and ACARA’s Aboriginal languages framework. She is a frequent guest lecturer and advisor to international organizations like the Australian Marine Science Association and the World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education.

Jodi is a cultural expert on marine policy committees, including the NSW DPI Fisheries and Marine Estate Management Authority. Her awards reflect her impact in Aboriginal advocacy and education, including regional and national recognitions.