Sahira is a Co-founder and Director of Science Communication at the Great Southern Reef Foundation, and an active marine ecologist specialising in the design and implementation of two-way research to deliver nature positive outcomes. Sahira begun her career in marine conservation by exploring and studying some of the planets most extraordinary ecosystems, witnessing firsthand the role nature plays in human well-being. After completing her PhD understanding the impacts of climate change and marine heatwaves on kelp forests, she identified the gap in directly connecting science with society to translate systematic concepts into tangible conservation strategies. Since then, her work has been formative in bridging that gap between research and practical conservation efforts, ensuring that complex environmental data informs real world solutions for protecting marine ecosystems.Sahira has over a decade of experience partnering with NGOs, governments and local communities to design monitoring programs that are scientifically robust, cost effective, and genuinely integrate community through capacity building and training. Her key expertise includes the delivery of critical ecological research focused on benthic and finfish communities and the design of marine protected area networks. She has key skills in Underwater Visual Census, Stereo-Video and Remotely-Operated monitoring techniques, as well as the advanced statistical analysis skills to interpret these datasets.