Sarah Lawless

Sarah Lawless is a researcher affiliated with James Cook University, focusing on gender equality, coral reef ecosystems, and social-ecological systems in the Pacific. She holds a BSc in Social Science (Environment) from RMIT University and an MSc in International and Community Development from Deakin University. Her PhD research examined gender and social equity in small-scale fisheries governance in the Pacific under supervisors including Prof. Tiffany Morrison and Dr. Philippa Cohen.

• Education: BSc Social Science (Environment), RMIT University (2013); MSc International and Community Development, Deakin University (2016)
• Research Focus: Gender dynamics in natural resource management, climate resilience, and community-based fisheries governance

Her work bridges environmental science and social justice, emphasizing practical guidance for inclusive development initiatives. She has collaborated with organizations like WorldFish and WWF in Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, producing peer-reviewed articles on gender equality in fisheries and climate policy. Her non-peer-reviewed outputs include guides for gender-inclusive rural development and coastal livelihood strategies.

Awards: None explicitly listed, but her contributions to gender-inclusive marine resource management have been recognized through collaborative projects and policy briefs.

Grants and Advising: No specific grants mentioned, but her research is part of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies. She advises on gender equity in fisheries through partnerships with NGOs and academic institutions.

Labs/Teams: Core member of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, contributing to interdisciplinary projects on coral reef resilience and social-ecological systems.