معرفی
Dr. Chiara Bertelli is a Lecturer in Biosciences at Swansea University within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Biosciences, Geography and Physics. With over 15 years of experience in coastal and marine ecological surveys, she specializes in seagrass ecology and restoration, marine conservation, and habitat suitability modeling.
Dr. Bertelli has extensive field experience including boat-based surveys, SCUBA diving, and snorkeling in both temperate and tropical environments. She is currently completing her PhD part-time focusing on environmental drivers of change in seagrass meadows in the UK and Brazil. Her educational background includes advanced training in marine biology with specialization in ecological survey techniques and data analysis using R and Primer.
Her primary research focuses on seagrass ecology as nature-based solutions for climate change. She develops habitat suitability models to inform optimal locations for seagrass restoration, with applications in carbon sequestration (blue carbon) and marine biodiversity enhancement. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 13 (Climate Action) and 14 (Life Below Water).
Analysis of Dr. Bertelli's recent publications (2020-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on practical applications of seagrass research to inform restoration efforts. Her work spans habitat suitability modeling, environmental stress responses, nutrient dynamics, and decision-support tool development. A significant portion addresses seed-based restoration techniques, ecosystem services, and the socio-ecological dimensions of marine conservation.
Dr. Bertelli actively collaborates with external organizations including Project Seagrass, Sky Ocean Rescue, WWF, Natural England, and the National Oceanographic Centre. Her current ReSOW project aims to develop the CEEDS (Coastal Ecosystem Enhancement Decision Support) tool, an open-source platform to guide seagrass restoration practitioners.
As an educator, Dr. Bertelli teaches several field-based marine biology courses including BIO260 Marine Biology Field Course, BIO327 Tropical Marine Ecology Field Course, and BIO346 Professional Skills in Marine Biology. Her teaching emphasizes practical, field-based learning and professional skill development for marine biologists, with a focus on survey techniques, data analysis, and environmental impact assessment.
Dr. Bertelli is actively involved in research teams focused on marine ecosystem restoration and coastal management. Her work bridges academic research with practical conservation applications, working closely with government agencies, NGOs, and international research partners to translate scientific findings into actionable conservation strategies.
