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Postdoctoral Fellow

Sandra Emry

Name

Postdoctoral Fellow in Geography, University of Victoria
PhD in Zoology, University of British Columbia   
BSc in Biological Oceanography, University of British Columbia   
Contact 

Spectral Lab Research:

My postdoctoral research is conducted in collaboration with Hatfield Consultants, the Canadian Space Agency, the ‘Namgis First Nation, and Dr. Maycira Costa (Spectral Lab). This work focuses on developing Eelgrass Explorer, a cloud-based machine learning model that uses high-resolution, multispectral satellite Earth observation data to map eelgrass across intertidal ecosystems in British Columbia.

The project aims to produce spatially and temporally consistent maps to quantify changes in eelgrass extent and condition across environmental gradients. These outputs will support hypothesis-driven research on how multiple stressors influence eelgrass ecosystems. In particular, we will examine how eelgrass, situated at the land–sea interface in the low intertidal zone, responds to the combined effects of marine and atmospheric heatwaves on its distribution, health, and ecosystem function.

Background:

I am incredibly fortunate to have grown up on the West Coast of British Columbia, on the territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

I am a marine ecologist with interests spanning field-based research and large-scale data synthesis. I regularly work with observational and repository-based datasets (e.g., GBIF) and prioritize open science practices throughout the research process.

Prior to joining the Spectral Lab, I was a postdoctoral fellow with the Living Data Project at the Canadian Institute of Ecology and Evolution (CIEE). My PhD research examined how intraspecific variation—including phenotypic plasticity and local adaptation—mediates ecological responses to climate change.

I collaborate broadly across disciplines and value working with researchers from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Please get in touch if you want to chat about biodiversity, ecology, or open science!

When I am not at work, I am a busy mom of 3 young kids and 1 overly affectionate golden mountain dog.

Expertise and Experience:

marine ecology, community ecology, open science, teaching, scientific diving

Publications:

Google Scholar

Nelson Gouveia

Nelson Gouveia

Postdoctorial Fellow in Geography, University of Victoria
PhD Remote Sensing, National Institute for Space Research (Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais – INPE), Brazil
MSc Remote Sensing, National Institute for Space Research (Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais – INPE), Brazil
Contact

Spectral Lab Research:

As part of the Sargassum Project, I am developing a predictive model to forecast the influx of Sargassum along the northern coast of Brazil. The objective is to better understand how oceanographic, continental, and atmospheric variability influences the dynamics, transport pathways, and coastal landfall of Sargassum. The project also aims to assess the vulnerability of affected coastal regions, with a focus on environmental, social, economic, and public health impacts.

Background:

I am a scientist dedicated to understanding interconnected processes that link continental hydrology and biological and physical processes in the oceans and atmosphere. My work focuses on understanding the interactions between these systems to address pressing environmental challenges. With a strong interdisciplinary background, I am passionate about leveraging advanced data analysis techniques, modeling, and remote sensing to tackle environmental issues. I hold a PhD and a Master's degree in Remote Sensing, with expertise in data science, machine learning, hydrodynamic modeling, and Lagrangian ocean modeling.

expertise and experience:

remote sensing, modeling, hydrology, data science, machine learning

Publications:

Rosa, E. B., Pezzi, L. P., de Quadro, M. F. L., Carvalho, J. T., Santini, M. F., Gouveia, N., & Lorenzzetti, J. A. (2025). Oceanic mixed layer depth variability forced by South Atlantic convergence zone episodes. Climate Dynamics, 63, 307. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00382-025-07801-w

Issac, J. V., Castello, L., Gouveia., N. A., et al.(2025). Size spectra assess social-ecological impacts on Amazonian fish assemblages. Ecological Indicators, 173, 113360. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2025.113360

Vidal, T. J., Gouveia, N., Müller, M. N., Da Silveira, C., Maida, M., & Ferreira, B. P. (2024). Mortality patterns and recovery challenges in Millepora alcicornis after mass bleaching event on Northeast Brazilian reefs. Marine Environmental Research, 106864. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106864

Furtado, M. D. S. C., Queiroz, J. C. B., Bentes, B., Gouveia, N. D. A., de Lima, M. J. A., Ruffino, M. L., & Isaac, V. (2024). How does climate change affect small scale fisheries? A case study of the Lower Amazon in Brazil. Fisheries Management and Ecology, 31(1), e12654. https://doi.org/10.1111/fme.12654

Trindade, D. G., de Almeida de Gouveia, N., da Mescouto, N. L. D. C., de Sousa Moura, H. T. G., da Silva, U. I. P., & Bentes, B. (2024). Effects of marine climate variability on the relative abundance of Lutjanus purpureus (Poey, 1866) on the Amazon continental shelf. Fisheries Oceanography, 33(2), e12662. https://doi.org/10.1111/fog.12662

Moura, H. T. G. D. S., Trindade, D. G., Gouveia, N. D. A., Nunes, Z. M., & Bentes, B. (2024). Impacts of climatic and oceanographic variability on the landing of Cynoscion acoupa (Lacepède, 1801) captured on the Amazon continental shelf. Regional Studies in Marine Science, 76, 103608. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2023.103608

Mota, L. D. F., Gouveia, N. A., Paes, E. T., Watrin, O. D. S., Costas, I., & Parise, F. D. O. (2024). Análise multicritério em ambiente SIG na indicação de áreas adequadas à piscicultura no Nordeste do Estado do Pará. Revista Brasileira de Geografia Física, 17(2), 1200–1212. https://doi.org/10.26848/rbgf.v17.2.p1200-1212

Gomes, L. D. M., Garcia, G. S., Cordeiro, C. A., Gouveia, N. A., Ferreira, C. E., Bender, M. G., ... & Gherardi, D. F. (2023). Complex phylogenetic origin and geographic isolation drive reef fishes response to environmental variability in oceanic islands of the southwestern Atlantic. Ecography, 2023(8), e06559. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecog.06559

Garcia, I. M. W., de Almeida Gouveia, N., de Melo Junior, D. R., da Silva Gonçalves, C., Rabelo, F. G., & de Oliveira Parise, F. J. (2023). Avaliação do uso e cobertura do solo e seus impactos na região sul de Macapá, Amapá, Brasil entre 1985 e 2022. Revista Brasileira de Geografia Física, 16(4), 2171–2183. https://doi.org/10.26848/rbgf.v16.4.p2171-2183

Peixoto, U. I., Mesquita, E. M., Cintra, I. A., Klautau, A. G., Gouveia, N. A., Paes, E. T., & Isaac, V. J. (2020). Population dynamics and sustainability of the spiny lobster (Panulirus meripurpuratus Giraldes & Smyth, 2016) fishery on the Amazon continental shelf. Marine and Freshwater Research, 72(1), 99–109. https://doi.org/10.1071/MF19364

Gouveia, N. A., Gherardi, D. F. M., & Aragão, L. E. O. C. (2019). The role of the Amazon River plume on the intensification of the hydrological cycle. Geophysical Research Letters, 46, 12221–12229. https://doi.org/10.1029/2019GL084302

Gouveia, N. A., Gherardi, D. F. M., Wagner, F. H., Paes, E. T., Coles, V. J., & Aragão, L. E. O. C. (2019). The salinity structure of the Amazon river plume drives spatiotemporal variation of oceanic primary productivity. Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences, 124, 147–165. https://doi.org/10.1029/2018JG004665

Gouveia, N. A., Alves, F. C., & Pereira, L. O. (2019). Pre-processing of Sentinel-1 C-band SAR images based on incidence angle correction for dark target detection. Remote Sensing Letters, 10(10), 939–948. https://doi.org/10.1080/2150704X.2019.1634300

Di Paolo, I. F., Gouveia, N. A., Neto, L. C. F., Paes, E. T., Vijaykumar, N. L., & Santana, Á. L. (2019). Data mining of spatio-temporal variability of chlorophyll-a concentrations in a portion of the western Atlantic with low performance hardware. Journal of Software Engineering and Applications, 12(5), 149–165. https://doi.org/10.4236/jsea.2019.125010

Gouveia, N. de A., Lima, F. A. de, Sousa, M. de C., & Santos, M. A. S. dos. (2015). O seguro defeso do pescador artesanal: evolução dos recursos e beneficiários no estado do Pará. Revista Monografias Ambientais, 14(2), 75–85. https://doi.org/10.5902/2236130817881

Julio Lara Hernandez

Julio Lara Hernandez

Postdoctoral Fellow in Geography, University of Victoria   
PhD Marine Sciences and Limnology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, UNAM, CDMX, Mexico
MRes Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
MSc Marine Sciences and Limnology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, UNAM, CDMX, Mexico
BSc Marine Biology, University of the Sea, UMAR, Oaxaca, Mexico     
Contact | ResearchGate

Spectral Lab Research:

I am a postdoctoral fellow focussed on developing and validating a digital monitoring and forecasting system specifically designed for the Mexican Caribbean to address the persistent challenge of massive Sargassum beach landings. My project combines numerical modeling, high-resolution satellite imagery, and field campaigns to monitor Sargassum at sea and predict its potential coastal arrivals. In the field, I use drifting buoys, drones, ADCPs, and other techniques to characterize winds, currents, and the distribution and trajectories of Sargassum. These measurements provide the critical data needed to calibrate, train, and validate the monitoring and forecasting system, ensuring that it delivers reliable and locally relevant information to support adaptive coastal management.  

Background:

My interest in ocean transport processes has persisted throughout my career. During my undergraduate research in Marine Biology at the University of the Sea (Mexico), I used numerical models to study how distant coral reefs remain connected via larval dispersal. At the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), my Master's work focused on modeling the complex larval transport of commercially important lobster populations in the Gulf of Mexico, developing custom particle-tracking algorithms to capture their unique behaviors. I also contributed to oil spill dispersion modeling at the Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate Change, simulating the effects of windage and degradation on oil transport. During my PhD in Marine Sciences, I started to investigate the transport dynamics of Sargassum in the Mexican Caribbean involving a combination of different tools plus an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach. Now, my work at UVic bridges biology, oceanography, and computation to transform complex environmental data into practical forecasting tools that help address one of the region’s most urgent coastal challenges.

Expertise and Experience:

Lagrangian modeling, ocean modeling, marine ecology, larval transport, marine connectivity, oil spills, pelagic Sargassum, digital monitoring, forecasting

Publications:

Uribe-Martínez A, Allende-Arandía M, Lara-Hernández J, et al. (in press) Remote monitoring, modeling and early warning of sargassum: State of the art in Mexico. Book chapter in: Foundations of comprehensive management of massive sargassum landings in the Mexican Caribbean. National Council of Humanities, Sciences and Technologies, CONAHCYT, Mexico.

Lara-Hernández J, Enríquez C, Zavala-Hidalgo J, Cuevas E, van Tussenbroek B, Uribe-Martínez A (2024) Sargassum transport towards Mexican Caribbean shores: Numerical modeling for research and forecasting. J Mar Syst. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmarsys.2023.103923

Pérez-Brunius P, Beron-Vera F, Kotzakoulakis K, Lara-Hernández J, et al. (2020) Possibly affected regions under different oil spill scenarios in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Vol. 1. Section 1. In: Pérez-Brunius P, Aguirre-Macedo M (eds) Regions, species and ecosystems vulnerable to large-scale spill scenarios in the Gulf of Mexico. Gulf of Mexico Research Consortium (CIGoM). https://escenarios.cigom.org/

Lara-Hernández J, Zavala-Hidalgo J, Sanvicente-Añorve L, Briones-Fourzán P (2019) Connectivity and larval dispersal pathways of Panulirus argus in the Gulf of Mexico: A numerical study. J Sea Res, 155: 101814. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seares.2019.101814

Anguiano-García A, Zavala-Romero O, Zavala-Hidalgo J, Lara-Hernández J, Romero-Centeno R (2019) High Performance Open Source Lagrangian Oil Spill Model. In: Torres M, Klapp J, Gitler I, Tchernykh A (eds) Supercomputing. ISUM 2018. Commun Comput Inf Sci, vol 948. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-10448-1_11

Lara-Hernández J, Kim MO, Avolio AP, Butlin M (2018) Transfer function between intracranial pressure and aortic blood pressure and carotid blood flow. Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc, 2018: 3169-3172. https://doi.org/10.1109/EMBC.2018.8512987

López-Pérez A, Cupul-Magaña A, Ahumada-Sempoal MA, Medina-Rosas P, Reyes-Bonilla H, Herrero-Pérezrul MD, Reyes-Hernández C, Lara-Hernández J (2016) The coral communities of the Islas Marias archipelago, Mexico: structure and biogeographic relevance to the Eastern Pacific. Mar Ecol, 37: 679-690. https://doi.org/10.1111/maec.12337

PhD Dissertation: “Dynamics of pelagic sargassum transport in the Mexican Caribbean” [Link]

MRes Thesis: “An investigation of systemic haemodynamic correlates of intracranial pressure” [Link]

MSc Thesis: “Larval transport and potential connectivity of stony corals in the Mexican Pacific: study using numerical simulations” [Link]

Bachelor's Thesis: “Larval transport and potential connectivity of stony corals in the Mexican Pacific: study using numerical simulations” [Link].

Mohsen Ghanbari

Mohsen Ghanbari

Postdoctoral Fellow in Geography, University of Victoria    
PhD Systems Design Engineering, Vision and Image Processing
Lab, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
MSc Remote Sensing, Khajeh Nasir Toosi University of Technology,
Tehran, Iran
BSc Geomatics Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Contact

Spectral Lab Research:

As a postdoctoral fellow in the SPECTRAL lab, co-supervised by Dr. Maycira Costa (Department of Geography) and Dr. Neil Ernst (Department of Computer Science), I am focused on developing machine learning methods for kelp mapping. In partnership with VERTEX Resource Group and the Hakai Institute, I am working on creating software that leverages deep learning approaches to determine the aerial extent of floating kelp using optical satellite images. The software, called Satellite-based Kelp Mapping (SKeMa), will be primarily used by the First Nations in British Columbia to monitor kelp in their marine Traditional Territories.

In line with the Space Strategy for Canada and Canada's Strategy for Satellite Earth Observation, this project aims to use Space-Based Earth Observation (SBEO) satellite images to aid First Nations in monitoring critical kelp ecosystems impacted by climate change. The active participation of the First Nations in the software development process will be crucial to ensure the final software is as user-friendly as possible. The developed framework will significantly enhance the use of SBEO imagery by the First Nations, enabling them to monitor essential habitats for Pacific salmon, a species of ecological, cultural, and economic significance in British Columbia. Furthermore, it will help identify key conservation areas, potential sites for kelp restoration, and planning for wild kelp harvest and aquaculture, contributing to the Blue Economy.

Background:

My previous experience includes the development, implementation, and optimization of machine learning-based algorithms for processing remote sensing images to extract useful information through image segmentation, classification, and change detection. I have also been involved in the development, implementation, and optimization of algorithms for satellite systems. Previous research has mainly focused on synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites and SAR image processing.

Expertise and Experience:

remote sensing, synthetic aperture radar, systems engineering, machine learning

Publications:

Ghanbari, M., Xu, L., Clausi, D., A. (2023). Local and Global Spatial Information for Land Cover Semi-Supervised Classification of Complex Polarimetric SAR Data. IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing.

Ghanbari, M. (2021) Classification of Compact Polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar Images. PhD Thesis, University of Waterloo.

Ghanbari, M., Clausi, D., A., Xu, L. (2021).CP-IRGS: A Region-Based Segmentation of Multilook Complex Compact Polarimetric SAR Dat. IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing.

Ghanbari, M., Clausi, D., A., Xu, L., and Jiang, M. (2019). Contextual Classification of Sea-Ice Types Using Compact Polarimetric SAR Data. IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing.

Ghanbari, M., and Akbari, V. (2018). Unsupervised Change Detection in Polarimetric SAR Data With the Hotelling-Lawley Trace Statistic and Minimum-Error Thresholding. IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing.

Ghanbari, M., and Akbari, V. (2015). Generalized Minimum-Error Thresholding for Unsupervised Change Detection from Multilook Polarimetric SAR Data. IGARSS 2015, IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, Italy, Milan, 26–31 July 2015.

Jordanna Bergman

Jordanna N. Bergman

Postdoctoral Fellow in Geography, University of Victoria
PhD in Biology, Carleton University    
BSc in Marine Biology, University of South Florida
Contact  

Spectral Lab Research:

Hi! For my postdoc, I have the privilege of working with Drs. Maycira Costa and Anne Salomon to evaluate the spatial-temporal dynamics of kelp-encrusting bryozoans ("KEB") across British Columbia's coast. In close collaboration with Indigenous, government, and research partners spanning from Haida Gwaii to Victoria, we seek to evaluate the abiotic and biotic variables that may be influencing KEB presence, abundance, and distribution within kelp forests. Encrustation by bryozoans may not only affect kelp forest health and resilience, but could also influence the diverse ecological communities they support. By weaving together ecological theory and Indigenous Knowledge to better understand how kelp forests tolerate and recover from KEB, amid phenological shifts due to climate extremes, we hope to illuminate their current and future health, and persistence.

Background:

I'm a Canadian-American aquatic ecologist and conservation scientist. My love for the outdoors fueled a passion to learn how to take care of our beautiful world, and encouraged my desire to pursue a career in environmental research. For more, see:

https://jordannabergman.wixsite.com/jordannabergman

Expertise and Experience:

biodiversity, ecology, conservation, scientific diving

Publications:

Google Scholar

Marta Konik

Marta Konik

Postdoctoral Fellow in Geography, University of Victoria    
PhD Natural Sciences, The Institute of Oceanology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Sopot, PL
MSc Oceanography, Marine Physics, The University of Gdansk, PL
BSc Physical Oceanography, The University of Gdansk, PL       
Contact     

I have a background in physical oceanography and remote sensing. I am particularly interested in the relationships between seawater properties and biological and physical processes in the ocean, which I observe using various satellite sensors. I have used optical imagery to analyze ocean colour and phytoplankton composition, as well as active microwave sensors to describe the sea surface and identify oil spills. My PhD research focused on the near-surface cyanobacteria blooms in the Baltic Sea, and characterizing their impact not only on the ocean colour, but also on the sea surface temperature and roughness observed with several types of satellite sensors.

During my postdoctoral research, I will apply my knowledge to map kelp beds with optical and SAR imagery (Synthetic Aperture Radar). Such a synergistic approach will provide more frequent information on the kelp bed extent since the SAR measurements are less sensitive to clouds. More detailed information on the seasonal kelp bed changes will help characterize their biomass fluctuations better and detect the alerting trends. 

 Publications:

Weitkamp, L., Barclay, A., Beamish, R.J., Costa, M., Farley, E., Freshwater, C., Gilk-Baumer, S., Graham, C., Howard, K., King, K., Konik, M., Murphy, J., Neville, C., Pakhomov, E.A., Radchenko, V., Riddell, B., Rondeau, E., Saunders, M., Schubert, A., VanDoornik, D., Yang, B. (in press). Highlights of the 2022 IYS Pan–Pacific Winter Expedition. North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission Bulletin.

Konik, M., Angelica Peña, M., Hirawake, T., Hunt, B.P.V., Suseelan Vishnu, P., Eisner, L.B., Bracher, A., Xi, H., Marchese, C., Costa, M. (2024). Bioregionalization of the subarctic Pacific based on phytoplankton phenology and composition. Progress in Oceanography, 228, 103315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pocean.2024.103315

Pramlall, S., Jackson, J., Konik, M., Costa, M. (2023). Merged multi-sensor ocean colour chlorophyll product evaluation for the British Columbia coast. Remote Sensing, 15, 687. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs15030687

Romina Vanessa Barbosa

Romina Vanessa Barbosa

Postdoctoral Fellow in Geography, University of Victoria
PhD, Marine Ecology, Université de Bretagne, Brest, France
MSc, Oceanography, Instituto Oceanográfico da Universidade de São Paulo (IO-USP), Brazil.
BSc, Biology, Universidad Nacional de Cordoba (UNC), Cordoba, Argentina.   

Contact     

Spectral Lab Research:

Currently, during my postdoctoral research, I work with the First Nations of the Broughton Aquiculture Transition Initiative (BATI), the Spectral lab, the Kelp Rescue Initiative, and the Salmon Coast Field Station (SCFS). Our goal is to improve our knowledge about the distribution and state of kelp in the Broughton area (northeast of Vancouver Island) and how it could help in the recovery of wild salmon populations in the area by giving them better habitat conditions. My specific objectives in the project are to perform field observations and species distribution model predictions to map the distribution of bull kelp in the Broughton area. Furthermore, I will calibrate a Dynamic Energy Budget model for the bull kelp, Nereocystis luetkeana, to identify the main drivers of its temporal changes and the physiologic processes involved. Finally, I will participate in assessing the use of kelp habitat for juvenile salmon for evidencing the potential importance of kelp for salmon population recovery in the area.

Background:

I am a marine ecologist interested in the relationship between the environment and species distribution and dynamics. I aim to understand how environmental conditions affect the species at different levels of biological organization and spatial scales. That is, how environmental conditions affect the species' individuals by conditioning their performance on diverse physiological processes such as growth and reproduction, as well as how such environmental conditions affect population-level processes such as recruitment and mortality rate. The same environmental conditions could affect at different levels of organization in a contrary way, making complex patterns emerge. In order to understand such complex relationships, I integrate diverse sources of observation (such as aerial images and field sampling) and experimental data into correlative and mechanistic models. They allow me to reproduce the observed distribution and dynamic of species and infer the potential effects of particular environmental conditions such as the high temperatures during heat-wave events. 

Expertise and Experience:

satellite imagery, kelp mapping, mechanistic models

Publications:

Man, L., Barbosa, R.V., Reshitnyk, L., Gendall, L., Wachmann, A., Dedeluk, N., Kim, U., Neufeld, C., Costa, M. (2025). Canopy-forming kelp forests persist in the dynamic subregion of the Broughton Archipelago, British Columbia, Canada. Frontiers in Marine Science, 12, 1537498. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2025.1537498

Nasiha Jahirhussain

Nasiha Jahirhussain

Post Doctoral Researcher

Nasiha is an optical oceanographer, carrying out research in satellite remote sensing analysis of coastal, estuarine and open ocean waters. Earlier research modules during her Ph.D. work were involved in biogeochemical characteristics of oceanic waters by the use of remotely sensed satellite imagery. Nasiha had developed several in situ observation-based ocean optical models and their proof-of-concept algorithms for remote sensing implications, to better understand the oceanographic particle system spanning from sediment settling velocity to particulate load composition. Nasiha engaged in a number of ocean research cruises for the field measurement of optical-oceanographic parameters such as radiometric quantities, coefficients of absorption, attenuation, scattering and fluorescence, turbidity together with aerosol optical thickness of the atmospheric column.

Presently, Nasiha is working in the FOCOS (Ferry Ocean Colour Observation Systems) research project that acquires and utilizes autonomous above-water radiometric measurements, primarily for the satellite remote sensing applications of marginal seas and dynamic coastal waters. Her recent study depicted the spatial variability of in situ remote sensing reflectance to derive uncertainties associated with transitional water boundaries and optically complex coastal waters. The research work showed that the high spatial variability in remote sensing reflectance was predominantly associated with the spatial dynamics of the optical water constituents, thus limiting the use of these datasets as Fiducial Reference Measurements for the satellite validation process. Nasiha is currently working with a large hyperspectral FOCOS dataset for the robust evaluation of satellite retrieved and atmospherically corrected reflectance.

Nasiha is an independent researcher, yet a collaborative teammate. To further say about Nasiha, she believes in the collective knowledge acquired by humanity to date, and her favorite quote is by Isaac Newton, “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants”.

Alejandra Mora-Soto

Alejandra Mora-Soto

Postdoctoral Fellow in Geography, University of Victoria
PhD Geography and the Environment,
University of Oxford, UK
MSc Environmental Monitoring, Modelling and Management,
King's College London, UK
BA Geography, Universidad de Chile, Chile

Contact | LinkedIn | Google Scholar | ResearchGate

Spectral Lab Research:

My projects at the Spectral Lab aim to determine the long-term distribution patterns of kelp forests in British Columbia. We employ large datasets, from satellite imagery to nautical charts, to define how kelp canopies are changing over time in response to environmental drivers. 

My first postdoctoral research at the lab was on the resilience and persistence of bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) forests in the Salish Sea, funded by an MITACS fellowship in collaboration with the Pacific Salmon Foundation. 

A second project, funded by NSERC Alliance Grants, looks at kelp forest trends and ocean warming patterns in Haida Gwaii.

Background:

I am a marine geographer specializing in mapping and understanding the distribution patterns of kelp forests, from the Sub-Antarctic Ocean to British Columbia. I work with mapped kelp derived from satellite imagery, drones, in-situ surveys and old cartography records. My goal is to describe the natural history and geographic diversity of kelp forests from their past to their future trends in the current context of a warming ocean. I am a frequent user of GIS software, R, and JavaScript (Google Earth Engine) programming languages, and like exploring old analogue cartography.

My PhD research was on the distribution and changes of the giant kelp forest ecosystem, with a focus on the sub-Antarctic latitudes of South America. I continue working in collaboration with other institutions in Chile (Rewilding Chile, Instituto IDEAL) on kelp forest research.

I am also associated with the Scott Polar Research Institute, in Cambridge (United Kingdom), where I explore the use of old nautical charts from polar regions to expand our baselines of environmental change.

Before getting into kelp research, I worked with foundations (Foundation to overcome poverty, Chile, 2008), government (National Statistics Institute, 2009-2011), and lecturing at different universities in Chile from 2013 to 2017.

Outside of my work, I enjoy knitting and drawing. I’m also an amateur accordionist, always willing to learn and play more songs.

Expertise and Experience:

marine geography, kelp forests, cartography, GIS, remote sensing

Publications:

McHenry, J., Okamoto, D. K., Filbee-Dexter, K…. Mora-Soto A., et al. (2025). A blueprint for national assessments of the blue carbon capacity of kelp forests applied to Canada’s coastline. npj Ocean Sustainability 4, 30. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44183-025-00125-6

Arafeh-Dalmau, N., Villaseñor-Derbez, J. C., Schoeman, D. S., Mora-Soto, A., Bell, T. W., Butler, C. L., Costa, M., Dunga, L. V, Houskeeper, H. F., Lagger, C. (2025). Global floating kelp forests have limited protection despite intensifying marine heatwave threats. Nature Communications, 16(1), 3173. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-58054-4

Arafeh-Dalmau, N., Olguín-Jacobson, C., Earle, S., Bello, M., Lagger, C., Mora-Soto, A., Pantano, C., Palacios, M., Barbosa, R. V., Fica-Rojas, E., Guajardo, E., Aburto-Oropeza, O., Eger, A., Dayton, P., Giraldo-Ospina, A., Cavanaugh, K., García-Pantoja, J., Montaño-Moctezuma, G., Possingham, H., … Micheli, F. (2024). Protect kelp forests. Science, 386(6722), 629. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adr4814

Mora-Soto, A., Schroeder, S., Gendall, L., Wachmann, A., Narayan, G., Read, S., ... Costa, M. (2024). Back to the past: Long-term persistence of bull kelp forests in the Strait of Georgia, Salish Sea, Canada. Frontiers in Marine Science, 11, 1446380. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2024.1446380

Arafeh-Dalmau, N., Cebrian, E., Dunga, L. V., Horta, P., Layton, C., Macaya, E. C., Mangialajo, L., Moore, P. J., Mora-Soto, A., Reddy, M. M., Smit, A. J. (2024). Introducing the Seaweed Specialist Group of the IUCN Species Survival Commission. Oryx, 58(2), 147–148. https://doi.org/10.1017/S003060532300193X

Mora-Soto, A., Schroeder, S., Gendall, L., Wachmann, A., Narayan, G. R., Read, S., Pearsall, I., Rubidge, E., Lessard, J., Martell, K., Wills, P., Costa, M. (2024). Kelp dynamics and environmental drivers in the southern Salish Sea, British Columbia, Canada. Frontiers in Marine Science, 11. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2024.1323448

Mora-Soto, A., Aguirre, C., Iriarte, J. L., Palacios, M., Macaya, E. C., Macias-Fauria, M. (2022). A song of wind and ice: Increased frequency of marine cold-spells in southwestern Patagonia and their possible effects on giant kelp forests. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 127, e2021JC017801. https://doi.org/10.1029/2021JC017801

Barnes, D. K. A., Bell, J. B., Bridges, A. E., Ireland, L., Howell, K. L., Martin, S. M., Sands, C. J., Mora Soto, A., Souster, T., Flint, G., Morley, S. A. (2021). Climate mitigation through biological conservation: Extensive and valuable blue carbon natural capital in Tristan da Cunha’s giant Marine Protected Zone. Biology, 10, 1339. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology10121339

Mora Soto, A., Cadiz, A. (2021). Capítulo 4. Dilemas de representación cartográfica en los espacios transfronterizos. In Azcoitía, A., Nicoletti, M. A., Lanza, M. (Eds.), Araucania-Norpatagonia III: Tensiones y reflexiones en un territorio en construcción permanente. Viedma: Editorial UNRN. https://books.openedition.org/eunrn/5974

Mora-Soto, A., Capsey, A., Friedlander, A. M., Palacios, M., Brewin, P. E., Golding, N., Dayton, P., Tussenbroek, B. V., Montiel, A., Goodell, W., Velasco-Charpentier, C., Hart, T., Macaya, E., Pérez-Matus, A., Macias-Fauria, M. (2021). One of the least disturbed marine coastal ecosystems on Earth: Spatial and temporal persistence of Darwin’s sub-Antarctic giant kelp forests. Journal of Biogeography, 00, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.14221

Mora-Soto, A., Palacios, M., Macaya, E. C., Gómez, I., Huovinen, P., Pérez-Matus, A., Young, M., Golding, N., Toro, M., Yaqub, M., Macias-Fauria, M. (2020). A high-resolution global map of giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) forests and intertidal green algae (Ulvophyceae) with Sentinel-2 imagery. Remote Sensing, 12, 694. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs12040694

Mora, A. (2015). Dinámicas de resiliencia en la zona de Constitución (Maule, Chile) después del terremoto y tsunami de 2010. Revista Espacios 08, 4. ISSN 0719-0573 Mora, A. (2015). Dinámicas de resiliencia en la zona de Constitución (Maule, Chile) después del terremoto y tsunami de 2010. Revista Espacios 08, 4. ISSN 0719-0573

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Gita Narayan

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Postdoctoral Researcher

Ph.D., 2011. University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia

M.Sc, .2003, University of Victoria, Victoria B.C.

B.Sc., 1998 University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta

Link to Thesis

Gita is working collaboratively with members of the SPECTRAL Lab, on a project focused on quantifying kelp spatio-temporal resilience to changing environmental and climatic conditions across coastal British Columbia (BC). This project will involve cooperation with different coastal communities and institutions across BC and it will be based on the assessment of large spatial and temporal datasets of kelp distribution, both historically and more recently. The project will initially focus on coastal areas of the Salish Sea and expand to include the broader coastal areas along BC's coast. The project aims to: (i) collaboratively develop spatiotemporal map of kelp extent; and (ii) define environmental and biological drivers of kelp change. The findings of this project will help support and improve kelp forest conservation and management strategies.

Gita has a background in marine micropalaeontology and ecology. She received her PhD from the University of Queensland, Australia, her MSc from the University of Victoria, BC and her BSc (Zoology) from the University of Alberta. She has worked as a marine (geo-) ecologist in the temperate, coastal ecosystems of British Columbia and in the tropical coral reef ecosystems and associated habitats in Eastern Australia (PhD) and in Zanzibar, East Africa (Postdoctoral research at the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Bremen, Germany). Her expertise and previous experience has been built upon research on benthic foraminiferal taxonomy and ecology. Her broader interests include marine benthic community ecological health assessments and the response of key marine bio-indicators and ecosystem engineers to long-term ecological changes in coastal marine environments. In her spare time, Gita studies herbal medicine (part-time) and is interested in local botany (including marine plants), gardening and spending time in or by the ocean.

Links to Publications


Link to Project


Fernanda Giannini

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Post Doc Researcher  
University of Victoria (UVic)/University of British Columbia (UBC)/Hakai Institute

PhD. University of São Paulo

MSc. Federal University of Rio Grande


Contact  |  Thesis    

I completed a PhD on Biological Oceanography, with main research interest on phytoplankton ecology and photo-physiology, primary production, ocean color and remote sensing of the ocean, coastal water bio-optics and riverine-coastal oceanography. The main focus of the current project is to combine high resolution satellite remote sensing with in situ oceanographic sampling to examine the spatial and temporal variability of the physical, chemical and biological properties of the coastal oceans from British Columbia to Southeast Alaska. The project aims to address what are the spatial and temporal dynamics of the biogeochemical properties of the coastal oceans of British Columbia and Southeast Alaska; what are the dominant bottom-up control processes driving the dynamics of these regions; and what are the implications of bottom-up processes for regional primary productivity, and the foraging habitat available to migrating juvenile salmon. 

Publications:

1.    Ciotti, Á.M., Ferreira, A. and Giannini, M.F. 2018. Seasonal and event-driven changes in the phytoplankton communities in the Araçá Bay and adjacent waters. Ocean & Coastal Management.

2.    Giannini, M.F.C., Harari, J., Ciotti, A.M. 2017. The use of CBERS (China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite) to trace the dynamics of total suspended matter at an urbanized coastal area. Brazilian Journal of Oceanography. v. 65(2), p. 309-323, doi: 10.1590/S1679-87592017135006502

3.    Giannini, M.F.C. and Ciotti, A.M. 2016. Parameterization of natural phytoplankton photo-physiology: Effects of cell size and nutrient concentration. Limnology and Oceanography. v. 61, p. 1495 - 1512. doi: 10.1002/lno.10317

4.    Ferreira, A., Ciotti, A.M., Giannini, M.F.C. 2014. Variability in the light absorption coefficients of phytoplankton, non-algal particles, and colored dissolved organic matter in a subtropical bay (Brazil). Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. v. 139, p. 127 – 136

5.    Giannini, M.F.C., Garcia, C.A.E., Tavano, V.M. Ciotti, A.M. 2013. Effects of low-salinity and high-turbidity waters on empirical ocean colour algorithms: An example for Southwestern Atlantic waters. Continental Shelf Research. v. 59, p. 84 - 96

6.    Moser, G.A.O., Ciotti, A.M., Giannini, M.F.C., Tonini, R.T., Harari, J. 2012. Changes in phytoplankton composition in response to tides, wind-induced mixing conditions, and freshwater outflows in an urbanised estuarine complex. Brazilian Journal of Biology. v. 72(1), p. 97 - 11

Karyn Suchy

Post Doctoral Researcher
PhD Biology (University of Victoria)  
BSc, MSc Zoology (University of Manitoba)

Contact | Thesis

Research Areas:
My broad interests are in zooplankton ecology and biological oceanography. For my PhD research, I determined how short-term variations in food quantity, food quality, and primary productivity influence zooplankton communities in coastal marine ecosystems on the west coast of Canada and in the tropical waters of Guanabara Bay, Brazil. The main goal of my postdoctoral work is to investigate the level of synchrony between phytoplankton and zooplankton phenology in the Salish Sea. Time-series data for phytoplankton will be derived from various sources (satellite imagery, buoy data, ferry data, citizen science data, and research cruise data) and then coupled with historical and present zooplankton data. By looking at long-term spatial data of phytoplankton and zooplankton, we can identify their response to different climate drivers (e.g. SST, wind) and global climatic indices. Ultimately, changes in the seasonal patterns of these lower trophic levels will provide insight into their influence on the growth, survival, and overall return strength of salmon populations in the region.