Elisabeth Deschaseaux

Elisabeth Deschaseaux is a Research Fellow at Southern Cross University's Faculty of Science and Engineering, specializing in biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) and marine biogeochemistry. Her work focuses on the role of coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds in producing climatically relevant gases like dimethylsulfide (DMS) and isoprene, particularly through projects like the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program. She holds a PhD from Southern Cross University (2014) and a BAppSc(Hons) from the University of Canberra (2006).

• Education: PhD (Southern Cross University), BAppSc(Hons) (University of Canberra), Undergraduate (University of Bordeaux II)

Her research spans marine sulfur cycling, climate regulation through BVOC emissions, and coral holobiont antioxidant systems. She has mentored students at UTS and supervised PhD student Victoria Hrebien at SCU. Elisabeth also contributes to community engagement through organizations like SharkWatch, Positive Change for Marine Life, and Homeward Bound. Her methodological expertise includes gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and field-based marine research.

Recent publications highlight her work on DMS dynamics in coral reefs, BVOC interactions in marine ecosystems, and innovative analytical techniques for volatile compounds. She actively investigates how human interventions like cloud brightening might alter BVOC emissions in the Great Barrier Reef, linking ecological processes to climate regulation.

Teaching experience includes Coral-Reef-On-the-Edge and Biology units (2011–2015). She collaborates with the Byron Underwater Research Group and Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry, with affiliations to SCU and UTS.