Katherine Dafforn

Katherine Dafforn is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Macquarie University and holds an adjunct position as Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences at UNSW Sydney. She is also a researcher at the Sydney Institute of Marine Sciences, serving as Deputy Director of the Sydney Harbour Research Program. Her work integrates marine environmental science with science communication, addressing challenges in urbanized coastal ecosystems.

Her research focuses on human impacts in marine environments, including the effects of contaminants, invasive species, and habitat modification. She investigates eco-engineering solutions for coastal infrastructure, light pollution’s ecological consequences, and microbial responses to environmental stressors. Her contributions span interdisciplinary collaborations, such as the Centre for Smart Green Cities, emphasizing sustainable urban development and marine conservation strategies.

In addition to her academic roles, Dr. Dafforn leads projects that bridge research and practical applications, such as designing multifunctional seawalls and mitigating biological invasions in ports. Her work highlights the importance of scaling up interventions to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services in urban marine settings.