Palau International Coral Reef Center Welcomes Marine Researcher Emily Gambino

The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) is pleased to welcome Emily Gambino, from France, as the newest member of its research team.

Emily joins PICRC with a strong academic and professional background in marine science, bringing experience from Europe, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean. She holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Marine Biology from Bangor University in Wales, United Kingdom. Her graduate research focused on coral reef fish assemblages within marine protected areas (MPAs) in the Cayman Islands, providing her with valuable expertise in reef ecology and marine conservation.

Prior to joining PICRC, Emily worked as a Marine and Fisheries Consultant for a private company in Malta, where she also lectured undergraduate marine science courses at the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST). She previously served as a Project Officer at the University of Malta and worked as a laboratory technician and demonstrator at Bangor University’s School of Ocean Sciences.

“At PICRC, I hope to contribute to interesting and diverse projects while expanding my knowledge of Pacific ecosystems,” Emily stated. “I am excited to continue my role as a marine researcher and contribute both to innovative research initiatives and the sustainable management of marine resources that support ocean-dependent local communities.”

Emily was drawn to PICRC and Palau by the country’s exceptional marine biodiversity and global reputation for conservation leadership.

“Palau has some of the best-preserved marine biodiversity in the world,” she added.

At PICRC, Emily will lead marine protected area monitoring projects and new MPA baseline studies. She will also contribute to a range of research initiatives in 2027, including fish stock assessments and other marine conservation projects. Her key goal is to strengthen scientific understanding of Palau’s marine ecosystems and support effective management strategies for the nation’s marine resources.

Among the projects she is most excited about are the development of new MPA baseline studies and opportunities for deep-sea exploration.

PICRC is delighted to have Emily join the team and looks forward to her contributions toward understanding and protecting Palau’s globally significant marine ecosystems.