Karen Joyce

Karen Joyce is an Associate Professor at James Cook University (JCU) with expertise in remote sensing and environmental monitoring. She holds a PhD in Geographical Sciences from the University of Queensland (2005). Her work focuses on developing remote sensing tools for applications in marine, coastal, and savanna ecosystems. Notable contributions include advancing drone technology for coral reef mapping, mangrove phenology modeling, and disaster management integration. She co-founded She Maps, a social enterprise promoting women in STEM through drone education, and GeoNadir, emphasizing geospatial innovation.

• Education: PhD in Geographical Sciences (University of Queensland, 2005)
• Key Roles:
  • Co-Founder of She Maps and GeoNadir
  • Former Geomatic Engineering Officer in the Australian Army

Her research interests center on optimizing remote sensing models to quantify Earth observation data, with applications in coral reef health, mangrove ecosystems, and invasive species management. Recent projects include She Flies Drone Camps to build STEM confidence in girls and hyperspectral drone technology for bathymetric mapping.

Her publications emphasize drone-based data acquisition, spectral analysis for coral cover, and automated image processing using tools like Google Earth Engine. Despite no listed academic awards, her work has significant practical impact in conservation and disaster preparedness.

Key grants include projects like 'Is satellite technology telling the truth? Perspectives from a coral reef' (2015–2017) and 'Developing hyperspectral drone technology' (2016–2017). She collaborates extensively with institutions like the Australian Army, New Zealand conservation agencies, and Kakadu National Park researchers.