Our Team
Lab Ethos: Science and life are most enjoyable when we surround ourselves with great people. Here in the McRae Marine Ecology Lab we seek to cultivate an environment where everyone can be themselves while working with colleagues that will both provide support (e.g., dive buddies/coffee break brainstorming partners) and constructive criticism (i.e., to help you develop into an excellent researcher/science communicator). Overall, the lab is guided by 3 simple principles: be kind, work hard, and do/share exciting science!
Email: crystal.j.mcrae@mail.nsysu.edu.tw
Twitter/X: @CrystalJMcRae
BlueSky: @crystaljmcrae.bsky.social
ResearchGate: Click link here
Twitter/X: @CrystalJMcRae
BlueSky: @crystaljmcrae.bsky.social
ResearchGate: Click link here
Principal Investigator
Dr. Crystal J. McRae
Assistant Professor, National Sun Yat-sen University
Postdoc | National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium (Taiwan)
PhD | Simon Fraser University & National Dong Hwa University (Canada/Taiwan)
MSc | University of Northern British Columbia (Canada)
BSc | Trent University; year abroad at the University of Canterbury (Canada/New Zealand)
Research Interests: Marine biology, coral ecology, climate change adaptations, science education
A bit about me: I find aquatic ecosystems absolutely fascinating. My research began in my home country (Canada) in frigid streams studying the spawning and incubation environment of an endangered species of salmon. Then, seeking something a bit warmer, I shifted my focus to coral reef ecosystems (in Taiwan) with a specific interest in the variability/mechanisms of thermal tolerance in corals. I use both lab-based experiments as well as in-situ monitoring to identify drivers that facilitate climate change resilience. I value curiosity-driven research and prioritize scientific outreach/education.
Dr. Crystal J. McRae
Assistant Professor, National Sun Yat-sen University
Postdoc | National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium (Taiwan)
PhD | Simon Fraser University & National Dong Hwa University (Canada/Taiwan)
MSc | University of Northern British Columbia (Canada)
BSc | Trent University; year abroad at the University of Canterbury (Canada/New Zealand)
Research Interests: Marine biology, coral ecology, climate change adaptations, science education
A bit about me: I find aquatic ecosystems absolutely fascinating. My research began in my home country (Canada) in frigid streams studying the spawning and incubation environment of an endangered species of salmon. Then, seeking something a bit warmer, I shifted my focus to coral reef ecosystems (in Taiwan) with a specific interest in the variability/mechanisms of thermal tolerance in corals. I use both lab-based experiments as well as in-situ monitoring to identify drivers that facilitate climate change resilience. I value curiosity-driven research and prioritize scientific outreach/education.
Email: somani.chinmay310597@gmail.com
LinkedIn: Click link here
LinkedIn: Click link here
PhD Student
Chinmay Somani
MSc | Karnatak University Post Graduate Centre (India)
BSc | Ramnarain Ruia Autonomous College (India)
Research Interests: Coral conservation, island biogeography, community outreach, photography
A bit about me: Being from a tropical and biodiverse country (India) I have long been fascinated by marginal/patchy coral reefs. After my Master’s in Marine Biology, I worked on a coral translocation and rehab project and later joined an internship and SCUBA volunteer opportunities. These collectively sparked my curiosity and made me contemplate active versus passive coral conservation. Striving to understand coral reef conservation, I am driven to understand more about coral ontogeny, larval dispersal, and reproductive strategies. The core of my interest lies in island biogeography, population connectivity driven by larval dispersal, and reproductive strategies of corals.
Chinmay Somani
MSc | Karnatak University Post Graduate Centre (India)
BSc | Ramnarain Ruia Autonomous College (India)
Research Interests: Coral conservation, island biogeography, community outreach, photography
A bit about me: Being from a tropical and biodiverse country (India) I have long been fascinated by marginal/patchy coral reefs. After my Master’s in Marine Biology, I worked on a coral translocation and rehab project and later joined an internship and SCUBA volunteer opportunities. These collectively sparked my curiosity and made me contemplate active versus passive coral conservation. Striving to understand coral reef conservation, I am driven to understand more about coral ontogeny, larval dispersal, and reproductive strategies. The core of my interest lies in island biogeography, population connectivity driven by larval dispersal, and reproductive strategies of corals.
Email: hongyingjang@gmail.com
Undergraduate Student
Hong-Ying Jian 簡宏頴 (Peter)
BSc | Marine Biology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University (in progress)
Research Interests: Marine biology, coral aquaculture and restoration
A bit about me: Taiwan is surrounded by the ocean and has plenty of marine resources, which became my interest at an early age. I like to explore outside, and I am a certified lifeguard and have a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver license. My 3rd-year independent study topic was about coral aquaculture, and my current 4th-year NSTC-funded project is examining how reef thermal history shapes the resistance and resilience of corals. My recent goals are to enhance my R Studio and diving skills for further research.
Hong-Ying Jian 簡宏頴 (Peter)
BSc | Marine Biology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University (in progress)
Research Interests: Marine biology, coral aquaculture and restoration
A bit about me: Taiwan is surrounded by the ocean and has plenty of marine resources, which became my interest at an early age. I like to explore outside, and I am a certified lifeguard and have a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver license. My 3rd-year independent study topic was about coral aquaculture, and my current 4th-year NSTC-funded project is examining how reef thermal history shapes the resistance and resilience of corals. My recent goals are to enhance my R Studio and diving skills for further research.
Email: chianshiunhu@gmail.com
Laboratory Assistant
Chian Shiun Hu 胡茜熏 (Jessie)
BSc | Tajen University
Research Interests: Marine biology, identification of marine animals
A bit about me: I grew up close to the ocean in Xiaoliuqiu, my grandmother’s hometown. Learning freediving opened my eyes to the threats facing its marine environment. When I asked questions about these problems, I couldn’t find scientific answers in my daily life. This curiosity led me to explore marine research, gaining experience on several of Taiwan’s outlying islands (Dongsha, Dongji, Nansha). I am now a Research Assistant at the McRae Marine Lab and a certified PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, contributing my skills to coral research projects.
Chian Shiun Hu 胡茜熏 (Jessie)
BSc | Tajen University
Research Interests: Marine biology, identification of marine animals
A bit about me: I grew up close to the ocean in Xiaoliuqiu, my grandmother’s hometown. Learning freediving opened my eyes to the threats facing its marine environment. When I asked questions about these problems, I couldn’t find scientific answers in my daily life. This curiosity led me to explore marine research, gaining experience on several of Taiwan’s outlying islands (Dongsha, Dongji, Nansha). I am now a Research Assistant at the McRae Marine Lab and a certified PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, contributing my skills to coral research projects.
Lab Alumni
Email: hblouisa@gmail.com
Undergraduate Exchange Student & Intern
Louisa Hervieu
BSc student, La Rochelle University (France)
Research Interests: Marine biology, tropical marine ecosystems, conservation & biodiversity
A bit about me: Having lived by the sea along the French west coast all my life, I have had a particular interest in the sea and all that it offers since a young age. Growing up, I was drawn to the impressive and beautiful biodiversity found in tropical waters. Sensitive to climate change and the threats facing the oceans, my interest is to protect and better understand these fascinating ecosystems. For my independent study I conducted a systematic review about the biodiversity-based research in the Philippines. For my internship I compared the thermal responses of coral colonies vs. coral nubbins to high temperature stress.
Louisa Hervieu
BSc student, La Rochelle University (France)
Research Interests: Marine biology, tropical marine ecosystems, conservation & biodiversity
A bit about me: Having lived by the sea along the French west coast all my life, I have had a particular interest in the sea and all that it offers since a young age. Growing up, I was drawn to the impressive and beautiful biodiversity found in tropical waters. Sensitive to climate change and the threats facing the oceans, my interest is to protect and better understand these fascinating ecosystems. For my independent study I conducted a systematic review about the biodiversity-based research in the Philippines. For my internship I compared the thermal responses of coral colonies vs. coral nubbins to high temperature stress.