Seminar by Dr. Alicia Schmidt-Roach "Connecting the Caribbean to the Pacific: Exploring Opportunities for Research & Innovation”

Marine Climate Change (Ravasi) Unit would like to invite you to the Seminar by Dr. Alicia Schmidt-Roach on August 5th (Wednesday).
 
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Date:   Wednesday, August 5th, 2026
Time:  10:00-11:00
Venue: C700 (Level C, Lab 3)

Meeting URL:     https://oist.zoom.us/j/92837741374?pwd=bxnLaH1gJfFYex70rlnuWGR2y32PL2.1
Meeting ID:     928 3774 1374
Passcode:    118954
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Speaker:

Dr. Alicia Schmidt-Roach
Senior Instructor - Ecology (Marine Sciences)
THE UNIVERSITY OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Abstract:

Marine ecosystems worldwide are facing unprecedented challenges from climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and increasing demands on coastal resources. Addressing these complex issues requires innovative, interdisciplinary, and globally connected research partnerships. This presentation by Dr. Alicia Schmidt-Roach, University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) Marine Sciences, highlights UTT's marine science research activities, expertise, and strategic priorities within the Caribbean region.

The presentation will showcase ongoing work in marine biodiversity, coral reef ecology, coastal ecosystem conservation, environmental monitoring, and sustainable ocean management. It will also explore opportunities for collaboration between UTT and the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), emphasizing areas of mutual interest such as tropical marine ecosystems, climate resilience, marine biotechnology, emerging technologies for ocean observation, student and researcher exchanges, and joint research initiatives.

By connecting scientific expertise from the Caribbean and the Pacific, this discussion aims to identify pathways for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and innovative research partnerships that can contribute to addressing shared marine and environmental challenges while advancing global ocean sustainability.

Biography:

Dr. Alicia Schmidt-Roach is a Senior Instructor in Ecology in the Marine Sciences Unit at the University of Trinidad and Tobago. She is a marine ecologist and environmental project manager with over 15 years of international experience spanning academia, government, and industry in Trinidad and Tobago, Australia, Germany, and Saudi Arabia. She holds a PhD in Marine Ecology from the University of Tasmania and has expertise and experience in marine conservation, environmental management, environmental impact assessment, sustainable aquaculture, coral reef conservation, fisheries management, and stakeholder engagement.
Dr. Schmidt-Roach's research interests on the conservation and sustainable management of marine and coastal ecosystems, with particular interests in long-term beach monitoring, shark and ray ecology, marine spatial planning and habitat mapping, climate change impacts on coastal systems, and the detection and monitoring of invasive marine species using environmental DNA (eDNA). Her work aspires to integrates ecological monitoring, GIS, remote sensing, and field-based research to improve understanding of ecosystem health and support evidence-based environmental management.
She is particularly interested in applied research that informs sustainability and conservation policy, strengthens biodiversity protection, and supports science-based decision-making for the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources. Through her research, teaching, and professional practice, she is committed to advancing environmental stewardship and contributing to the development of effective conservation and sustainability strategies in Trinidad and Tobago, the wider Caribbean, and beyond. Dr. Schmidt-Roach is dedicated to fostering the next generation of marine scientists through student-centred research and community engagement.

Host:
Prof. Timothy Ravasi