Elizabeth Buccheri

In 2018, I received my Bachelors in Environmental Studies with honours from Adelphi University in New York. During my studies, I worked as a laboratory assistant in a marine geology lab, a teaching assistant for a marine science institute and a volunteer abroad with two non-profits. I also had the opportunity to travel to Heron Island Research Station, where I led a study that assessed how sea cucumber behaviour may change in response to rising ocean temperatures in the southern GBR.

In 2020, I graduated with a Masters in Conservation Science from the University of Queensland. During this time, I completed a 6-month research thesis with MSEL under the supervision of Prof. Pete Mumby. This project was focused on guiding robust site selection for future reef restoration initiatives on the GBR to minimise the likelihood of damage via tropical cyclones. I also volunteered with a few citizen science and marine conservation organisations to increase public awareness and participation in local conservation initiatives.

In 2021, I started a PhD at the University of Queensland under the supervision of Prof. Pete Mumby and Dr. Christopher Doropoulos as a part of the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program. My project will focus on evaluating critical population thresholds to ensure coral recovery on the GBR. This will ideally help to guide management that maximises recovery potential at key reef locations and informs procedures for anticipated restoration actions in the future.

I have a passion for coastal and marine environments, particularly for species and ecological processes that are often overlooked or misunderstood. My goal is to contribute to research that fills crucial knowledge gaps, increases public awareness, and ultimately guides more effective conservation action. I look forward to continuing to work with Prof. Pete Mumby, Dr. Christopher Doropoulos, and MSEL to build on my current skills and better my ability to do so in the future.

Publication:

Buccheri, E., Foellmer, M.W., Christensen, B.A., Langis, P., Ritter, S., Wolf, E. and Freeman, A.S. 2019. Variation in righting times of Holothuria atra, Stichopus chloronotus, and Holothuria edulis in response to increased seawater temperatures on Heron Reef in the southern GBR. Journal of Marine Biology, doi:10.1155/2019/6179705.