Vanessa Rose Stephens

I graduated from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) with a degree in Applied Science (Fishery). During my eight years as a marine biologist at the Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC, of the Gayana Marine Resort, Sabah), I managed an underwater coral nursery for reef restoration and raised marine environmental awareness by sharing knowledge with visitors to the centre.

I am currently working towards my Masters in Marine Science (Artificial Reefs) at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), where I am also working as a Research Assistant at the Endangered Marine Species Research Unit (UEMS).

As a Research Associate with ADRECC, we hope to rehabilitate more damaged reefs and educate more people about the importance of reef ecosystems.

During my free time in the past, I have been involved in various voluntary work with several NGOs, such as WWF Malaysia, Power Shift Malaysia, and The Sabah Society.

Diving to document biodiversity and study corals is a big part of my life 🙂