About
I am a National Geographic Explorer and Senior Research Scientist and Lecturer currently working at James Cook University in Townsville Australia.
My research focuses on coral biology, reef ecology, and adaptation to climate change. Using a mixed-methods approach, I investigate the interactions between reef taxa from the cellular to the ecosystem level. My work uses a range of techniques including molecular biology and genomics, microbial ecology, physiology, macro-ecology, field- and lab-based experiments to understand the relationships between species.
Most recently, I have been involved in developing and testing local scale reef restoration techniques on the Great Barrier Reef including macroalgae removal (“sea-weeding”) and assisted coral larval settlement, and investigating the ecosystem-wide effects of such techniques. This work is in partnership with Earthwatch Australia and incorporates citizen scientists, which allows a unique opportunity for science education and outreach. The project has attracted local, national, and international press.
I have a growing interest in macroalgae (seaweed) taxonomy, population genetics, and carbon-negative biomaterials, particularly low-tech applications for sequestering carbon through algal biomass.
Prior to my science career, I completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts and worked for years in the arts. In addition to my scientific pursuits, I have a passion for creating conceptual scientific illustrations to bridge the gap between science and art, and to communicate complex scientific ideas with beautifully rendered images.