Samantha Tol

Samantha is an ecologist dedicated to unravelling the intricacies of marine ecosystems. Presently, her research encompasses coastal and reef ecology, with a focus on seagrass and algae, marine megaherbivores, and fish community assemblages and population dynamics.  She works closely with industry and government organisations, prioritising research to help marine park managers and port authorities effectively manage their marine habitats.  Simultaneously, her postdoctoral pursuits concentrate on pioneering environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques to detect Yellow Crazy Ants and their eDNA degradation, offering promising pathways for biosecurity enhancement.

Samantha’s journey began with the Seagrass Ecology Team at TropWATER since 2012, contributing to coastal seagrass monitoring for industrial sectors. In 2021, she successfully completed her PhD, studying the complex dispersal mechanisms of tropical seagrass, notably emphasizing the influential roles of dugongs and green sea turtles. This research has provided insight for conservation strategies, through emphasizing the crucial interplay between species interactions and ecosystem health.

Overall, Samantha's research is marked by a dedicated commitment to bridging academic exploration and practical applicability. Her work provides a synergy between theoretical insight and real-world impact, contributing to the preservation of marine environments and advancing the boundaries of ecological understanding.