John Edmondson is one of the co-founders, project co-leads and core operator partners. He has worked in reef tourism for over 25 years, including Africa and Australia, and implemented the first coral nurseries and out-planting on the Great Barrier Reef, with his wife Jenny Edmondson. John invented the novel “Coralclip®” device. This pair are master out-planters, with the largest proportion of corals propagated and planted within the Coral Nurture Program.
Prof David Suggett is one of the co-founders and project leads (project management, research co-ordination). Coral biologist studying how the environment regulates coral growth and survival, from coral genes to entire reef ecosystem interactions. Worked on reefs around the world, including Brazil, Indonesia, New Caledonia, Seychelles and the Red Sea. Chairs the field-based in water coral propagation working group for the international Coral Restoration Consortium.
Dr Emma Camp is one of the co-founders and project co-leads (supporting management, data handling (including permitting), and research co-ordination). Biogeochemist studying how reef chemistry influences corals with a major focus on how corals thrive within ‘natural extremes’ (naturally hot, acidic, deoxygenated waters). ROLEX Fellow, UN Young Leader and National Geographic Explorer.
Ms Lorna Howlett (University of Technology Sydney/Wavelength Reef Cruises) is a PhD student examining effectiveness of coral propagation and out-planting activity of the Coral Nurture Program, including how fine-scale genetic differences regulate survivorship in important coral species used for restoration. Worked within the reef tourism industry prior to starting her PhD. Supports day-to-day coordination of operator activity and data reporting.
Ms Christine Roper is a PhD student examining how reef environments regulate survivorship of new coral added to the reef through coral restoration versus natural recruitment. Worked within several reef industries and non-governmental organisations prior to starting her PhD. Supports day-to-day coordination of operator activity and data reporting.
Ms Rachael Scott is a MSc student examining the effectiveness of Coralclip® across reef sites and diverse tourism operations. Worked previously within science engagement for projects linking scientists and industry across Australia’s algal bio-economy. Supports core logistics, administration and communication platforms.
Ms Paige Strudwick is a PhD student examining the form and function of coral associated microorganisms during nursery propagation and out-planting across Coral Nurture Program sites, as well as investigating the influence of materials (e.g. plastic alternatives and novel nursery structures) on coral microbial health. Paige works alongside her PhD producing scientific communication and engagement materials for numerous organisations, including the International Coral Reef Society. She supports our communication outputs and social media feeds within the Coral Nurture Program.
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