L-R ECU Vice-Chancellor Clare Pollock presents Dr Shannon Dee with her Aspire Award
Edith Cowan University (ECU) early-career researcher Dr Shannon Dee has been recognised with the prestigious ECU Aspire Award, celebrating her outstanding research and leadership in the field of marine ecology.
The Aspire Award program supports Western Australian (WA) academics, researchers and professionals by funding travel to conferences, enabling recipients to collaborate with global peers and showcase the impact of WA research on the world stage.
Leading on change
Dr Dee, from the School of Science, has a particular interest in coastal ecology and marginal reef systems. Her research has gained significant attention for its impact and has been bolstered by more than $300,000 in competitive grant funding.
Dr Dee has been recognised with numerous awards and honours throughout her career, including being selected for the prestigious Homeward Bound program, and her current role as President of the WA branch of the Australian Marine Sciences Association (AMSA).
Building on this success, the Aspire Award will enable Dr Dee to further her research and present it to a global audience, showcasing the leading innovations that are emerging in WA.
"Looking ahead, I believe WA has a promising future in this field," she said.
"Winning the Aspire Award is a huge achievement for me and is also a reflection of the passion and drive of incredible collaborators who have supported this research journey."
Dr Shannon Dee, ECU postdoctoral research fellow at the School of Science
Dr Dee has already mapped out how she will use the award to strengthen collaboration and connect with leading researchers across her field and beyond.
"I'll be attending the International Coral Reef Symposium, where I will have opportunities to connect with global research leaders and share my work."
ECU Vice-Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock praised Dr Dee for her remarkable career journey so far and championed her as an exemplar for ECU.
"Shannon is a leader in her profession. Your dedication, talent and leadership give all of us here at ECU immense pride, and on behalf of all the community here, I congratulate you on this well-deserved Aspire Award," Professor Pollock said.
Watch the Aspire Award video here.
