Cassandra Thompson

Cassandra Thompson is a Researcher and part-time Master of Philosophy candidate at James Cook University's ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies. Her work focuses on coral reef ecosystem dynamics, coral reef degradation impacts, and butterflyfish population viability. She is affiliated with the Pratchett Lab, investigating crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) population dynamics and coral reef resilience.

Education: Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science) from James Cook University. Current studies under Prof. Morgan Pratchett, Dr. Andrew Hoey, and Dr. Mia Hoogenboom explore coral loss effects on Chaetodon butterflyfish social structures and population viability.

Research Interests: Coral reef ecology, fish behavior adaptation, COTS outbreak mechanisms, and marine conservation strategies. Her projects integrate field surveys, experimental studies, and long-term monitoring data.

Publications span coral reef health assessments, COTS population dynamics, and fish behavioral ecology. She has presented at major conferences including the Australian Society for Fish Biology and Australian Coral Reef Society events.

Affiliations include the Australian Marine Sciences Association, Australian Coral Reef Society, and Australian Society for Fish Biology. Professional experience includes roles at the Australian Institute of Marine Science and Lizard Island Research Station.