Erika Gress

Erika is a marine scientist whose focus on mesophotic reefs (reefs 30 – 150 depth) began when she joined expeditions with scientist from the University of Oxford, UK, where she did an internship at the Ocean Research and Conservation Group, to which she is still associated. She completed a M.Sc. in Germany – Belgium – Madagascar, and has centered her research on the ecology and phylogenetics of antipatharians (black corals). She is now conducting her PhD at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reefs Studies at James Cook University, conducting ecological studies at an awe-inspiring wreck – the SS Yongala.