Emma Place

Background

About Emma Place

Blending marine biology and marketing for ocean conservation. I have over three years of experience in coral restoration and coral research, with additional experience in marketing, social media, underwater photography and scientific communication. My current responsibilities as a Conservation Technician include tropical coral husbandry, AAUS SCUBA diving in the field, coral collections, outplanting, photogrammetry and coral growth analysis, micro-fragmenting and data collection. I have contributed to outplanting over coral fragments to restore reef sites in the USVI. Through my work with CWORI, I participated in the NOAA National Coral Reef Monitoring Program (NCRMP) in St. Croix and St. Thomas, contributing to data collection efforts at over 400 dive sites. This work provided critical insights into the health and status of coral reef ecosystems in the U.S. Virgin Islands- My undergraduate thesis, in Dr. Koty Sharp’s lab at Roger Williams University, explored the effects of microplastics and associated microbes on the northern star coral. This research highlighted the impact of microplastic pollution on temperate corals and may serve as a model system for tropical corals. In addition to restoration work, I manage CWORI’s marketing efforts, including social media, underwater photography and print/digital media to raise awareness for our mission. I hold AAUS Scientific diver, SSI Stress & Rescue and Master Diver SCUBA certifications, with over 250 dives.