Molly-Mae’s research experience spans several years and encompasses a diverse array of projects aimed at understanding how corals may respond to a rapdily changing world.

Her research journey began during her studies with the Coral Reef Laboratory at the University of Southampton in the UK. Here, she collaborated with experts in coral physiology and molecular biology to dissect some of the mechanisms governing coral resilience and susceptibility to stress.

Driven by her passion for coral reef research, Molly-Mae then moved to Australia to undertake her PhD with the Australian Institute of Marine Science and the University of Western Australia.  Her research focuses on addressing critical gaps in our understanding of coral early life stages. She combines ecological modelling and fieldwork across three reef systems to explore factors influencing larval settlement, growth and survival - key processes for population maintenance and recovery.