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Rosa Celia POQUITA-DU
PhD Student, Department of Biological Sciences (2015 - 2019)
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Research Interests
Environmental management, reef restoration, coral reef ecology, and coral physiological responses
Current Project
Enhancing Singapore's Coral Reef Ecosystem in a Green Port
As Singapore lies close to the Coral Triangle, coral reefs occur within its port waters, subject to heavy shipping traffic. In spite of this, 255 species of corals are present representing a third of Earth’s reef coral species richness. This project explores concepts for sustainable port development in relation to reef management in the Port of Singapore.
Overall goals:
(1) Establish protocols and parameters to support management decisions on coral relocation and restoration.
(2) Establish ‘new’ reefs and improve degraded reefs using transplanted coral fragments.
(3) Engage NGOs and the public in the management, maintenance, protection and monitoring of restored reefs.
Academic History and Awards
Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology, University of San Carlos, Cebu, Philippines: 1999-2003
Master of Science in Environmental Management, ASEAN Graduate Scholarship Recipient, NUS - School of Design and Environment: 2012-2013
Doctor of Philosophy, TMSI Research Scholarship Recipient, NUS - Department of Biological Sciences: Starting Semester 2, AY 2014-2015
Research Work Experiences
Research Assistant, Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, NUS - Department of Biological Sciences: 2010-2011
Research Projects Involved:
- Environmental Controls of Coral Growth
- Effects of Turbidity on Seagrass
- Enhancing Biodiversity through Artificial Substrates
- Comparing Benthic Community Composition between Artificial seawalls and Natural Rocky Shores
Research Assistant (Part time), "Effects of Vessel-generated Waves on selected Coral and Seagrass species in Singapore", DHI Water and Environment Singapore: 2012-2013
Research Assistant, "Enhancing Singapore's Coral Reef Ecosystem in a Green Port", Reef Ecology Laboratory, NUS - Tropical Marine Science Institute: March 2013 - Jan 2015