Mariana Mayer Pinto

Mariana Mayer Pinto is a Scientia Senior Lecturer at the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales (UNSW). She earned a Ph.D. in Marine Science from the University of Sydney (2009) and holds an M.Sc. in Zoology and a B.Sc. in Marine Biology from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Her research focuses on understanding how anthropogenic stressors (e.g., contamination, urbanization) impact marine ecosystems and developing evidence-based solutions to mitigate these effects and restore biodiversity.

• Education: Ph.D. (2009, University of Sydney), M.Sc. (2004, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro), B.Sc. (2001, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro)
• Affiliations: Centre for Marine Science & Innovation (CMSI), Evolution & Ecology Research Centre (E&ERC)

Her work integrates multidisciplinary, field-based approaches and novel methodologies. She co-founded the Living Seawalls project, which applies eco-engineering to enhance marine biodiversity on artificial coastlines, recognized as an Earthshot Prize finalist and NSW Sustainability Award winner.

Recent publications explore artificial light impacts, coastal eco-engineering, and stressor interactions. Themes include habitat complexity, microbial community dynamics, and climate change adaptation in urban marine environments.

• Scientific Awards:
  • 2021 NSW Sustainability Award (Biodiversity category, as co-leader of Living Seawalls)
  • 2021 Earthshot Prize Finalist ('Revive Our Oceans', as co-leader of Living Seawalls)

She collaborates extensively on grants addressing seagrass restoration, bushfire impacts on waterways, marine pest management, and eco-engineered coastal solutions. Her research directly informs policy and management practices for sustainable marine infrastructure.