Key Areas: Coral reef ecology, coral taxonomy, coral reef associated species, coral restoration
An experienced scientific research diver, Rowana has co-authored a book ‘Underwater Guide to Seychelles’ and sits on the board of several marine conservation NGOs in Seychelles. Rowana recognises the need for education and communication of the many critical issues facing marine ecosystems today and has been closely involved in this field in Seychelles, co-founding the successful Seychelles Sea Turtle Festival in 2013, an NGO which aims to change attitudes and perception of the threatened sea turtles in Seychelles. Rowana has led research projects on the ecology of coral reefs, fish, sea turtles, and giant tortoises while in Seychelles and previously driven coral reef surveys on the Meso-American Barrier Reef, as well as being an active participant in many other marine conservation-related projects. Rowana brings a wealth of experience in ecology and conservation to UniSey and loves to inspire a passion for the natural world in others.
Rowana joined the University of Seychelles in June 2017 as a Lecturer in the Department of Environment and a research member of BERI. She moved to a new position in November 2018 but remains a key research fellow with BERI. Rowana has an MSc in Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health from the University of Edinburgh, UK, and a BSc in English and American Literature from Keele University, UK. Prior to joining UniSey, Rowana spent the previous eleven years working for a number of conservation organisations worldwide, and since 2010 has been in Seychelles.