Research Support staff

Maria works in the MACRO Biorefinery program, assessing the biochemical composition of macroalgal biomass. She also works in the Human Health and Nutrition program.

Julie undertakes technical research activities in relation to the detection of pathogens in the black tiger prawn and other aquaculture species, along with analyses to determine DNA-based parentage.

Sandra is a Research Project Officer. She provides information, operational and administrative support services to the Director and other executive personnel within the ARC ITRH and assists with special projects and initiatives.

Olivia is a marine biologist specializing in phycology, focused on optimizing the cultivation of valuable macroalgae species at the National Hatchery Network's Tropical Hub. Olivia is interested in exploring the potential of macroalgae as a natural solution to address climate challenges.

Jess Montaigne is a research worker contributing to the production and cultivation of seaweed within the hub. Her work focuses on the domestication and genetic selection of the methane-busting seaweed Asparagopsis taxiformis. The project aims to develop innovative and scalable algal cultivation techniques; in support of the commercial mission of the project's industry partner organisation.

Patrick’s research focuses on the intersection between conservation and food security, with a particular focus on small-scale fisheries, which account for 90% of all fishers and 40% of global fisheries yields. While his background is in coral reef science and ecology, he also works on marine governance, co-management, conservation planning, and impact evaluation. He is passionate about human rights and the role that international conservation…

Hillary Smith is a Senior Research Officer whose research focuses on coral biology, reef ecology, and adaptation to climate change, particularly in the lens of coral reef restoration. She is interested in developing low-cost and low-tech restoration approaches that can achieve scale through citizen science and community action. She is particularly passionate about developing methods that can translate to remote and developing island nations with…

Robert has done coastal and marine science research, including water quality, plankton distribution, coral reef monitoring, mapping using remote sensing imagery (e.g. habitat mapping, ocean colour, SST), spatially explicit assessments and estimates (habitat change, habitat risk, coastal carbon). His main interest lies in research that utilises spatial data, remote sensing imagery and geographical information systems to build spatially explicit knowledge and solutions.

Dr Elecia Johnston is a postdoctoral researcher at the Molecular Allergy Research Laboratory. Her current research topics include the identification and characterisation of shellfish allergens, the development of novel diagnostic tools for allergy, and shellfish allergy immunotherapies. Dr Johnston completed her PhD in molecular microbiology at the University of Newcastle, Australia.