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13 April, 2025
Dream island job for pair
THE Australian Museum's Lizard Island Research Station has announced new co-directors Dr Emily Howells and Dr David Abrego.
The marine scientists have embarked on their “dream job” operating and managing the Australian Museum’s (AM) Lizard Island Research Station (LIRS) on Jiigurru (Lizard Island).
Part of the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI), LIRS has been operating for more than 50 years and has made a hugely significant contribution to coral reef science, which will continue to develop under the scientists' leadership.
AM chief scientist and AMRI director Professor Kris Helgen said the museum looked forward to the role Dr Howells and Dr Abrego would play as co-directors in building on the AM’s reputation of scientific excellence and actively promoting LIRS as a leading voice for reef science and conservation.
“LIRS is one of the world’s leading tropical marine field research stations, visited annually by hundreds of international marine scientists from around the world. Dr Howells’ and Dr Abrego’s unique experience as coral reef researchers and educators in Australia and overseas makes them well suited to continue the development of LIRS that’s been led by outgoing co-directors Dr Anne Hoggett and Dr Lyle Vail,” he said.
Prior to their appointment, Dr Howells was a senior research fellow and Dr Abrego was a senior lecturer, both at the National Marine Science Centre at Southern Cross University. Together, they have a combined 27 years of experience as coral reef scientists spanning research, tertiary education, academic administration, science outreach, and service roles across the Pacific and Middle East.
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