I'm a practising marine ecologist and educator with a passion for natural science and conservation. Prior to my academic pursuits, I gained 4 years of experience in the IT and medical industries. In 2021, I completed my M.Phil. in Marine Science at Universiti Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, under the guidance of Dr Jillian Ooi Lean Sim, Dr Louisa Ponnampalam and Dr Rizman bin Idid. My research focused on the feeding ecology of dugongs, using spatial and ecological approaches to map their seagrass habitats and main feeding areas (they don't feed in a random way...), and determine their feeding preferences (...and yes, they are picky eaters!).
Before beginning my PhD, I spent 2 years as a research assistant in Prof. Allen Chaolun Chen's laboratory at Academia Sinica in Taiwan. During that time, I conducted fieldwork for long-term coral reef monitoring programs around Taiwan, from the most northern sites (Pinnacle, Craig, and Agincourt Islands) to the most southern sites (Taiping Island/Itu Aba, Spratlys). Additionally, I coordinated government- and institutionally funded projects focused on the life-history traits and responses of corals to climate change.
I'm now doing my PhD at The University of Queensland, Australia, in A.P. Daniel Dunn's Applied Marine Biogeography Lab. Continuing my interest in seagrass ecosystems, I'm exploring how we can aggregate different information to better understand and conserve megaherbivores, specifically dugongs and green turtles. To answer this question, I use a range of approaches, including running meta-analyses of existing movement studies and applying integrated drone and eDNA techniques to examine the migratory connectivity and spatial habitat use of megaherbivores. It's a steep learning curve, but I've found myself enjoying working with large, diverse groups of people who share a common goal: solving real-world problems. Ultimately, I hope to apply this knowledge to develop an optimised protected-area design to enhance conservation planning for seagrasses and megaherbivores in the region.
Before beginning my PhD, I spent 2 years as a research assistant in Prof. Allen Chaolun Chen's laboratory at Academia Sinica in Taiwan. During that time, I conducted fieldwork for long-term coral reef monitoring programs around Taiwan, from the most northern sites (Pinnacle, Craig, and Agincourt Islands) to the most southern sites (Taiping Island/Itu Aba, Spratlys). Additionally, I coordinated government- and institutionally funded projects focused on the life-history traits and responses of corals to climate change.
I'm now doing my PhD at The University of Queensland, Australia, in A.P. Daniel Dunn's Applied Marine Biogeography Lab. Continuing my interest in seagrass ecosystems, I'm exploring how we can aggregate different information to better understand and conserve megaherbivores, specifically dugongs and green turtles. To answer this question, I use a range of approaches, including running meta-analyses of existing movement studies and applying integrated drone and eDNA techniques to examine the migratory connectivity and spatial habitat use of megaherbivores. It's a steep learning curve, but I've found myself enjoying working with large, diverse groups of people who share a common goal: solving real-world problems. Ultimately, I hope to apply this knowledge to develop an optimised protected-area design to enhance conservation planning for seagrasses and megaherbivores in the region.
“There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature
– the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter.”
– Rachel Carson
I am a strong believer in the power of sharing knowledge, especially in natural science. This is why I regularly engage in educational outreach by giving talks to schoolchildren and the general public. When I'm not spreading the word about the importance of marine conservation, I enjoy immersing myself in the depths of the ocean. There's nothing quite like the feeling of being surrounded by the sounds of the sea, swimming alongside colourful marine life in coral reefs and seagrass meadows. Although I can't sing like marine mammals, I enjoy belting out tunes with friends at karaoke.
As I continue to advance in my career, I recognise the pressing need to address issues such as habitat loss, declining biodiversity, and ineffective policymaking. I am committed to confronting biases and discrimination in both science and society, particularly in my home country, which I hold dear to my heart.
As I continue to advance in my career, I recognise the pressing need to address issues such as habitat loss, declining biodiversity, and ineffective policymaking. I am committed to confronting biases and discrimination in both science and society, particularly in my home country, which I hold dear to my heart.
"Intelligence plus character,
that is the goal of true education."
– Martin Luther King J
