Dr Tania Kenyon, a postdoctoral researcher at UQ’s School of the Environment, is leading efforts to bring coral reefs back to life. Working as part of the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program, her research looks at how reefs break down after damage and how they can be rebuilt to survive a changing climate.
A lifelong connection to the ocean
Tania’s journey started close to home, during family holidays on Stradbroke Island, where she developed a deep love for the ocean and its creatures. Later, during her undergraduate studies, she discovered scuba diving and a trip to the Galapagos Islands cemented her passion. It was there that she decided to pursue a PhD focused on marine science.
Turning rubble into recovery
Her current research focuses on the southern Great Barrier Reef. Tania studies what happens after major reef disturbances, like storms, ship groundings and coral bleaching. She uses a powerful image to describe it: “Think of a brick wall reduced to rubble. It is loose, unstable and hard to rebuild. The same thing happens to coral reefs.” Her work is uncovering recovery times for damaged reefs, and is pioneering new ways to stabilise the rubble on reefs that can’t recover naturally. Young corals have a better chance to grow when the rubble is stable.
Change through collaboration
Tania’s impact goes well beyond the reef sites she visits. Her team has worked with national and international engineers, scientists and reef managers to develop global guidelines for rubble stabilisation and reef restoration. These are now being used in regions severely affected by human activity, such as dynamite fishing zones. This collaboration is helping transform how marine ecosystems are restored.
Teaching the next wave of researchers
Though Tania’s main focus is research, she loves sharing her passion and knowledge through teaching too. During her PhD, she was able to tutor students at UQ’s Heron Island Research Station. Watching students discover the wonders of the reef and grow their skills brought her real joy.
For Tania, the reef is not just a research subject but a place she feels deeply connected to. Visiting the same sites over time, she has come to recognise familiar fish and turtles, forming a strong bond with the environment. With UQ’s world-class support and resources, she has been able to turn this passion into impactful research that helps protect the future of the reef.
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