Liza Roger

Liza M. Roger is an Assistant Professor in the School of Molecular Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU) and a Senior Global Futures Scientist at the Global Futures Scientists and Scholars Program. She is affiliated with the School of Ocean Futures and works at the Walton Center for Planetary Health.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Marine Biology and Geochemistry (University of Western Australia, 2017)
  • B.Sc. Hon. in Marine Biology and Natural Resources Management (University of Western Australia, 2011)
  • Associate’s Degree (Université du Littoral Côte d’Opale, France, 2006)

Her research explores how environmental change affects marine organisms in symbiotic relationships with microscopic algae, such as corals, mollusks, anemones, and jellyfish. She pioneers coral in vitro methodologies to advance understanding of symbiosis, biomineralization, and stress adaptation.

Recent publications highlight her work on nanotechnology for coral reef conservation, thermal stress mitigation using engineered nanoceria, and interdisciplinary collaborations merging art with coral research. Her studies also address trace metal roles in coral nutrition, insulin signaling pathways, and innovative imaging techniques to monitor coral health.

• Scientific Awards:
  • NSF’s 2021 Coral Bleaching Research Coordination Network Early Career Training Program Award
  • VCU’s 2021 Postdoctoral Independent Research Award

Liza’s multidisciplinary approach integrates expertise from oceanography, biochemistry, nanoscience, and sustainability. She previously worked at the Australian Institute of Marine Science and has field experience as a cetacean naturalist in Iceland and a scuba diving instructor in the Mediterranean Sea and Southeast Asia.