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Melissa Cristina Márquez

Marine Biologist - Curtin University


Research Locations: Christmas Island; Cocos Keeling Island

PhD Candidate, Curtin University

Melissa's professional career path is based on the behavior, ecology, and conservation of Chondrichthyans. She is currently a PhD candidate at Curtin University (Western Australia) who uses Global FinPrint data to assess what environmental factors influence the composition and distribution of elasmobranchs in Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands. She is also using FinPrint data coupled with socioeconomic surveys to better understand the human behaviour and ecological aspects of elasmobranch conservation success or failure.

Research

  • Long-term changes in the habitat use of elasmobranchs (e.g. which processes influence elasmobranchs life cycles)
  • Human-wildlife conflict
  • Publications

Education

  • BA Marine Ecology and Conservation, New College of Florida, USA
  • MSc Marine Biology, Victoria University of Wellington, NZ