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 and education.

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, photogrammetry.  

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: theres.m.koch@gmail.com

ResearchGate: Click link here

PhD Student

Theres Koch

MSc | University of Vienna (Austria)

BSc |  University of Vienna (Austria)

Research Interests: Reef complexity, benthic photogrammetry, coral morphometrics, species distribution modeling and predicting.

A bit about me: Although I grew up in the low mountain ranges of Germany, far from any sea, I have long been interested in marine ecosystems. This interest eventually led me to coral reef ecology. Today, as part of my doctoral research, I am studying the physical architecture and spatial complexity of coral reefs. I am particularly interested in how fine-scale 3D reef structures create important microhabitats and how environmental disturbances, such as rising sea temperatures and microplastic pollution, affect coral growth, structural resilience, and species distribution in Taiwan’s reef ecosystems.

Email: lbcalagui@carsu.edu.ph

PhD Student

Laurence Calagui

MSc |  Mindanao State University at Naawan (Philippines)  

BSc |  Mindanao State University at Naawan (Philippines)  

Research Interests:  Coral reef dynamics, marine ecology, coastal resource management, fisheries. 

A bit about me: I began my journey in coral reef research in 2012, when I started as a research assistant in a project investigating the impacts of mining-related activities on aquatic resources, with a particular focus on coral reef ecosystems. This early experience sparked my fascination with coral reefs and deepened my appreciation of their ecological importance, complexity, and vulnerability. Since then, my research interests have expanded toward understanding how different environmental and human-induced threats affect coral reef ecosystems, as well as exploring ways to contribute to their protection and long-term sustainability. Through my work, I hope to continue building knowledge that can support effective coral reef conservation, management, and science-based decision-making.

Email: jwu714043@gmail.com

MSc Student

Jia-Rong Wu 吳佳蓉 (Rose)

BSc | National Dong Hwa University (Taiwan)

Research Interests: Marine biology, tropical marine ecosystems.

A bit about me: I’m from Taiwan, and I have been interested in biology and nature. Scuba diving was my first step into the ocean, and my previous job gave me many chances to join marine surveys. Through these experiences, I became more interested in marine life and how marine organisms interact with each other. I am especially interested in coral reef ecosystems and the services they provide. During my master’s studies, I hope to combine LAI and ARMS to better understand marine biodiversity and coral reef ecosystems.

 Undergraduate Student

Hong-Ying Jian 簡宏頴 (Peter)

BSc |  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. 

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.

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.