Samantha Crisp

Honours Student

Sam considers herself extremely lucky to have been raised in the small coastal town of Esperance, Western Australia, where her life inevitably revolved around the ocean. She had first-hand experience with local environmental issues from an early age and broadened her awareness of challenges involving environmental management, via travel abroad. With marine conservation as her passion, she commenced her Bachelor of Advanced Science (Marine Biology) at James Cook University, in 2018. After graduating in 2021, Sam completed her Honours with the Reef Function Hub, investigating phase shifts on coral reefs under the supervision of David Bellwood and Sterling Tebbett.

Samantha’s Reef Function Hub publications

Caitlin Philipps

Honours Student

Caitlin spent most of her childhood sailing and exploring the Victorian coastline which sparked her passion for the marine world. Caitlin moved to Townsville where she began a Bachelor of Advanced Science in Marine Biology at James Cook University in 2019.  After graduating in 2021, Caitlin completing her Honours degree with the Reef Function Hub investigating currents and hydrodynamic models on coral reefs and how they can be used by marine ecologists.  

Current position(2025): Oceanographic experimental scientist, Australian Institute Marine Science

Caitlin’s Reef Function Hub publications