Content
Kate dives into coveted curator’s role
When Kate Willson researched the growth rates of moon jellyfish during her University of the Sunshine Coast degree, she became hooked on the Coast’s amazing marine ecosystem.
Now the former Nambour State High student has been promoted to Curator of Fishes at UnderWater World.
Ms Willson, 26, of Bli Bli, has worked at the premier Mooloolaba tourist attraction since studying a combined degree in Business and Science at USC.
“I’m excited by this challenge because I’m responsible for the daily operations and staff within the Curatorial – Fish and Shark department,” she said.
“We care for the sharks, stingrays, fish, turtles, crabs, snakes, lizards, insects – pretty much everything except the seals and otters.
“Our work includes looking after animal husbandry needs and feeding, maintaining displays and water quality, diving and meeting health requirements.”
Ms Willson, who majored in Tourism and Environmental Science at USC before graduating in 2004, said she met curatorial staff at UnderWater World during her research on the common moon jelly (Aurelia aurita) in the third year of her degree.
“I volunteered for a few weeks before gaining a casual, multi-skilled position and I conducted further research there as part of my tourism studies,” she said.
“My University degree relates perfectly to my job: I work in a tourist attraction while looking after animals.
“It has allowed me to understand both sides of the business.
“The science taught me how ecosystems operate and how the environment is linked to the way we live. The business aspect helped me understand the tourism industry and how it relates to the environment.”
— Julie Gatehouse