SOUTHERN Cross University (SCU) researchers Dr Emily Howells and Dr David Abrego have recently taken the reins at the Lizard Island Research Station (LIRS) in the northern Great Barrier Reef.
Both were previously based at the University’s National Marine Science Centre in Coffs Harbour.
Dr Howells said the partners in life and marine science have taken the coveted roles of co-directors of the internationally-renowned research station (LIRS), as “an opportunity to live and work in paradise and facilitate science, which we are passionate about.”
“The Australian Museum’s Lizard Island Research Station is our favourite place on the Great Barrier Reef, and we knew this job would not come up again: it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we had to apply.”
With their seven-year-old daughter in tow, the pair is replacing outgoing long-time co-directors Dr Anne Hoggett and Dr Lyle Vail, who are retiring after three decades.
They also raised their child on the island.
Should they match their predecessors’ 34-year run, Emily and David will be living and working on Lizard Island until 2059.
“It’s a dream job for us, working together to support and amplify the incredible research, education and scientific communication work that happens here,” Dr Abrego said.
“Our goal is to continue the station’s incredible reputation, built by Anne and Lyle, and we hope to leave the Great Barrier Reef better for the next generation.”
Dr Howells and Dr Abrego have conducted research at LIRS multiple times, including as academics from Southern Cross University’s National Marine Science Centre.
Melbourne-born Dr Howells’ expertise is in the responses of corals to climate warming while Dr Abrego, originally from Mexico, is an expert in the critical symbiosis of coral and algae severed by bleaching.
A focus of their recent work, as part of the University’s partnership with the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program (RRAP), has been related to understanding how corals vary in their heat tolerance and what that means for adaptation to climate change.
Dr Howells and Dr Abrego will retain partial appointments to continue their existing research, PhD supervision and teaching appointments at SCU’s National Marine Science Centre in Coffs Harbour.
“I coordinate and teach ‘Reefs’, a third-year unit in the Bachelor of Science degree,” Dr Abrego said.
“Being based at LIRS provides unique opportunities to enhance the learning experience of our students and I look forward to fully developing these in the very near future with the support of both Southern Cross University and the Australian Museum.”
By Andrea FERRARI
