Hillary Smith

Hillary Smith is a Researcher affiliated with the Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture (CSTFA) at James Cook University (JCU), within the College of Science and Engineering. Her work focuses on coral reef ecology, macroalgal dynamics, microbial interactions, and climate change mitigation strategies in marine ecosystems. She contributes to restoration ecology initiatives and investigates the impacts of environmental stressors on coral health.

Her research interests include coral recruitment mechanisms, microbial symbiosis, and the ecological effects of human-driven disturbances such as macroalgal overgrowth and bleaching events. She collaborates on projects addressing reef resilience, disease dynamics, and the development of effective restoration techniques.

Smith’s publications highlight advancements in coral restoration methodologies, the role of microbes in coral settlement, and the ecological consequences of macroalgal proliferation. Her work underscores the need for integrated approaches to address climate change impacts on tropical marine ecosystems.

She is part of the CSTFA’s multidisciplinary team, engaged in field-based monitoring, experimental studies, and applied research to support sustainable fisheries and aquaculture practices. Her contributions bridge basic science and conservation applications, emphasizing real-world solutions for tropical marine ecosystems.