Trinity ecologist honoured for innovative marine research
Posted on: 10 October 2019
Assistant Professor in Zoology at Trinity, Nessa O’Connor, has been honoured with an International Recognition of Professional Excellence (IRPE) Prize in marine ecology.
These competitive prizes are awarded to ecologists in the early- to mid-stages of their careers for publishing uniquely independent, original and/or challenging research representing important scientific breakthroughs.
Dr O’Connor is a future leader in community ecology research. She is known for merging the principles of fundamental ecology with applied conservation biology.
By integrating advances in theoretical ecology into habitat restoration and aquaculture, her work is accelerating our understanding of marine ecosystems, while also testing novel techniques to sustainably harness benthic resources.
The quality and originality of Nessa’s work are seen in her many contributions to high-quality journals and many of the PhD students to have studied with her have gone on to prestigious post-doctoral positions.
Dr O’Connor is also a champion for diversity (particularly gender equality) in research – something Professor Christine Maggs noted as Chair of the International Ecology Institute’s Marine Ecology Jury 2019, when awarding the prize.
Dr O’Connor said:
I am extremely honoured to receive this award that recognises our work in understanding how global change is affecting marine ecosystems. We are disentangling how ocean warming and changing ocean chemistry will impact future shellfish and seaweed production.