Catherine Kim

Catherine Kim is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the School of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences. She focuses on marine science, particularly coral reef restoration and adaptation, leading projects like the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program (Rubble and Decision Science sub-programs) alongside Professors Scott Bryan and Michael Bode. Her work includes predicting coral rubble dynamics on the Great Barrier Reef and developing a flood vulnerability index for Brisbane City with Dr Kate Saunders and Associate Professor Kate Helmstedt. She earned her PhD in marine science from the University of Queensland, where her research explored coral health and biodiversity in Timor-Leste.

Dr. Kim’s research interests span coral reef ecology, geospatial analysis, and disaster risk assessment. She actively promotes STEM diversity through initiatives like R Ladies Brisbane and the Wonder of Science program. Notable achievements include a 2022 Queensland Women in STEM Awards Finalist recognition and grants totaling over AUD 100,000, including the Society for Conservation Biology Small Grant and the Elodie Sandford Explorer Award.

• Education: PhD (University of Queensland).
• Affiliations: Centre for Data Science, Coral Reef Ecosystems Laboratory, Brisbane Floods Hackathon leadership.
• Outreach: Co-organizer of Geospatial Community and R Ladies Brisbane, Young Science Ambassador (Wonder of Science).

Her scientific contributions include advancing AI-driven coral reef monitoring and advocating for linguistically inclusive academic publishing. Current projects emphasize bridging geospatial science with environmental conservation to address climate change impacts.