International Day of Women and Girls in Science
In celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we recognise the remarkable contributions of the women in the Marine Futures Lab (MFL). Their dedication to marine conservation and innovative research drives us toward a more sustainable future.
Our team is led by Professor Jessica Meeuwig, the Wen Family Chair in Conservation, whose work has been to understand the ecology of marine life, with a focus on open-ocean communities affected by anthropogenic impacts and management responses for decades. Her lab takes a multidisciplinary, non-invasive approach to marine conservation, including establishing and improving marine protected areas (MPAs) through baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVS), acoustic and satellite tagging, trophic analyses, behavioural studies, and empirical modelling. Transitioning this research into communication outputs and policy impact in Australia and internationally has significantly advanced ocean conservation efforts.
Research fellow Dr. Naima Andrea López and research adjunct Dr. Paige Maroni, further add to the conservation of marine wildlife. López uses underwater video and drone technology to study threatened sharks and marine parks, bridging science, policy, and community engagement for conservation. Maroni explores the polar seas with innovative subsea technologies to uncover hidden biodiversity, assess ecosystem health, and drive marine conservation.
PhD candidate, Shona Murray, investigates the distributions of highly migratory and commercially exploited pelagic sharks to inform more effective conservation measures and PhD candidate, Vania Andreoli, aims to make fisheries and seafood systems more sustainable and equitable for all, as millions of people rely on the ocean for food and nutrition.
We also recognise the efforts of our MSc candidates, Rachel Tan, Erika Pearson, Emmy Riboni and Scarlett Blydenburgh for their Master projects. Tan, Pearson, and Riboni utilise BRUVS technology to provide a benchmark baseline for pelagic wildlife in the Seychelles, characterise fish assemblages in relation to juvenile Sphyrna lewini aggregations in the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, and understand sea snake behaviour and distribution across Australian waters. Blydenburgh studies the analysis of marine science communication across Western Australia to improve marine science journalism and strengthen marine protection in MPAs.
To conclude, our research technicians, Maicey Burkett and Nadine Mauch, play a vital role in the Marine Futures Lab. Burkett focuses on fieldwork and community engagement in the MPAs of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, while Mauch conducts fieldwork on the Ningaloo Reef. Both establishing communications for the lab and carrying out citizen science projects, training, and the overall upkeep and organisation of the lab.
Collectively, these women exemplify leadership and advancement in marine science, inspiring future generations to explore and safeguard our oceans.