Dr. Le Qin Choo
Postdoctoral Researcher
“I am passionate about understanding speciation and adaptation, particularly the maintenance of genetic variation and long-term responses to changing marine environments. During my PhD at Naturalis Biodiversity Center, I studied the population structure of planktonic snails known as pteropods. My research assessed their genetic variation and connectivity across different ocean basins to understand their resilience to future ocean changes. At the University of Sheffield, my postdoctoral research focused on the role of genomic structural variants in the adaptation of flat periwinkles to different coastal habitats across Europe. Currently, I use genomic approaches to explore the connectivity and evolutionary potential of marine organisms in response to anthropogenic changes and climatic shifts.”
Róisín Hayden
Ph.D. Student: Ecology & Biodiversity (HKU-SWIMS)
“As a PhD student, I am fascinated by the ecology of symbiosis – how two completely different organisms can work together to thrive in even the most inhospitable environments. My research in particular focuses on the nutritional symbiosis between reef-building coral and their algal endosymbionts, how it can be influenced by the diversity of the symbiont community and how it can be disrupted by environmental stressors. I primarily use a combination of molecular and stable isotope tools to explore these themes in the model species Galaxea fascicularis, with the aim of improving our understanding of this intricate, complex relationship and informing conservation efforts in the face of global climate change. Outside of the lab, I am also an avid diver, rugby player and hiking enthusiast.”
Wilson Wan
Ph.D. Student: Ecology & Biodiversity (HKU-SWIMS)
“Like many, I feel deeply connected to the ocean. From 2015 to 2019, I worked as a scuba instructor, witnessing firsthand the rapid changes affecting marine ecosystems worldwide. This transformative experience ignited my desire to further explore and understand the sea. In 2020, I completed my master’s degree at the University of Hong Kong, where I focused on coral restoration. After two years as a research assistant, I began my PhD in 2022, concentrating on biodiversity assessment. By integrating molecular techniques with computer modeling, my goal is to gain a clearer understanding of how human activities impact marine biodiversity and to develop strategies for mitigating these effects.”
Joe Brennan
Ph.D. Student: Ecology & Biodiversity (HKU-SWIMS)
“My research interests centre around the impacts of climate change on the health and physiology of corals and their algal symbionts. Throughout my PhD, I have participated in multiple research projects investigating how environmental variation can impact physiological functions in the coral holobiont. These projects incorporate novel strategies for stress identification, including stable isotope analysis, to better understand metabolic interactions between corals and their associated Symbiodiniaceae under stressful conditions. My main research focus in the McIlroy Lab surrounds range expansions of tropical coral species into higher latitude ecosystems. By combining future climate predictions with real physiological performance data, I aim to develop mechanistic models that will inform coral conservation strategies across the North Western Pacific.”
Wendy McLeod Chan
Ph.D. Student: Ecology & Biodiversity (HKU-SWIMS)
“Following my interest in marine symbioses, evolution and population genetics, my Ph.D. research seeks to bridge knowledge gaps in regional coral management. These are the genetic bases of physiological traits – especially resistance to high nitrogen levels – the distribution and degree of genetic diversity. Through both observational and experimental methods, the aim is develop a guide for holistic, genetics-driven restoration while also generating foundational genomic data for future research on coral adaptations.”
Sharon Chan
Research Assistant
“I have a passion for exploring the complexities of marine ecosystems. My research dives into the fascinating ways biodiversity and ecosystem services respond to human activities and environmental changes. I’ve studied diverse habitats formed by incredible ecosystem engineers like bivalves, ascidians, kelp, and now corals, focusing on how these systems adapt—or struggle—under environmental stress. By exploring topics like biodiversity enhancement and the resilience of marine communities, I aim to uncover solutions for sustainable ecosystem management.”
Hammond Tong
Research Assistant
“I have always been passionate about the sea and marine organisms, which led me to pursue a degree in marine biology and previous work at a public aquarium. As a research assistant, I focused on the ecological restoration of coastal marine environments by deploying oyster shell reefs to enhance habitat complexity and augment biodiversity. Currently, I am interested in exploring the adaptation and plasticity of trophic modes in scleractinian corals within Hong Kong’s marginal marine environment.”