Person
Lucas, John S (1940 - 2020)
- Born
- 25 December 1940
Perth, Western Australia, Australia - Died
- 3 June 2020
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia - Occupation
- Aquatic scientist and Marine biologist
Summary
John Lucas graduated from the University of Western Australia with a BSc( Hons) in 1963 and a PhD in 1968. in that year was appointed a Lecturer in Biology at the University College of Townsville (later James Cook University (JCU)). He retired from JCU in 2000 and was then an Adjunct Professor in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Queensland. His seminal work on crown-of thorns starfish was an important input to the management of the Great Barrier Reef.
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Details
Professor Lucas described his undergraduate record at the University of Western Australia as so poor that in 2003 he wouldn't be admitted to an honour's year. He was admitted to an Honour's year in 1962 and and showed great aptitude for research. He graduated with First Class Honours . His PhD was on the biology of the Australian crab species Halicarcinus White, a family of small spider crabs. At James Cook University (JCU) he transferred his attention to Great Barrier Reef species such as the crown-of thorns starfish, giant clams and backlip pearl oysters. John was the first Head of the Department of Aquaculture at JCU. He was awarded the Australian Marine Sciences Association Silver Jubilee Award in 2003. A genus of spider crabs was named Lucascinus in his honour in 2016. Throughout his career he demonstrated commitment, perseverance and enthusiasm.
Chronology
- 1963
- Education - Bachelor of Science (Hons 1) in Zoology, University of Western Australia
- 1968
- Education - PhD in Zoology, University of Western Australia.
- 1968 - 1994
- Career position - Lecturer in Zoology, University College of Townsville. In 1970 this became James Cook of Northern Queensland and in 1998, James Cook University (JCU)
- 1994 - 2000
- Career position - Personal Chair in Marine Biology. He was the first Head of the Department of Aquaculture at JCU. John retired from JCU in 2000
- 2000 - 2002
- Career position - Adjunct Professor, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland.
- 2003
- Award - Australian Marine Sciences Association, Silver Jubilee Award.
- 2016
- Award - Lucascinus genus of spider crabs named in recognition of his pioneering work on spider crabs.
- 2020
- Award - Professor John Lucas Memorial Prize for Excellence in Aquaculture founded by James Cook Uuniversity.
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Created: 27 August 2025