Ambre ESTRADA DE TOURNIEL
Summary
Dedicated Marine Biology postgraduate with distinction in MSc, offering extensive hands-on experience in coral husbandry, aquaculture systems, and experimental aquarium operations. Proficient in maintaining coral reef organisms, monitoring water quality, and preparing live feed, complemented by a solid foundation in reef ecology research and field data collection. Demonstrates resilience and adaptability while effectively leading and supporting diverse teams in challenging environments. Committed to advancing marine conservation efforts through innovative practices and collaborative teamwork.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Teaching Assistant
Techniques in Marine Science, JCU
09.2025 - Current
- Supervised Master's students conducting in-water biodiversity surveys and provided extra support for students in developing their questions and experimental designs.
- Maintained safety and security by overseeing students both as surface watch and in-water supervisor.
- Taught students how to process coral nubbins, including extracting protein and chlorophyll, and using a spectrometer.
Volunteer Coral Husbandry Aquarist
SeaSim, Australian Institute of Marine Science
10.2024 - Current
- Supported the care, maintenance, and health monitoring of tropical marine organisms, focusing on coral species.
- Assisted with pest detection, PAM and temperature readings, and general husbandry practices.
- Contributed to live feed preparations and routine system checks. Monitored and maintained aquarium equipment, regularly cleaning circulators.
Crown-of-thorns Control Diver
Pacific Marine Group
08.2025 - 09.2025
- Conducted manta tows for coral cover assessments and COTs numbers and impact.
- Carried out COTs culling dives using guns to inject them with vinegar. Surveyed triton populations, assessing health and measuring any encountered. Carried out COTS collection dive for AIMS.
- Joined the team on two expeditions as a short-term fill-in diver, providing operational support during staff leave.
Teaching Assistant (Lab & Field)
Life History and Evolution of Reef Corals, JCU
02.2025 - 04.2025
- Assisted in labs focused on coral ID, settlement plates, polyp dissections, histology, symbiodiniaceae extraction to quantify densities, and PAM measurements for photosynthesis-irradiance curves.
- Supervised student field projects, providing guidance on competitive interactions, size-mortality interactions and bleaching studies.
Monitoring Field Leader
Kyparissia Bay Field Project, ARCHELON
06.2022 - 10.2022
- Managed data for over 600 turtle nests across three beaches, liaising with our partner organisation (GVI) to coordinate conservation efforts.
- Maintained field equipment and ensured the smooth operation of monitoring activities in a demanding, outdoor research environment.
- Trained and supervised international volunteer teams in sea turtle conservation field techniques, safety, and data collection.
Field Volunteer
Kyparissia Bay Field Project, ARCHELON
08.2021 - 09.2021
- Conducted beach surveys and nest excavations to collect hatchling and nest data. Patrolled light-polluted areas at night for hatchling releases.
- Participated in public awareness events presenting the project's conservation goals activities.
Intern Seal Caregiver
A Seal
09.2020 - 04.2021
- Cared for injured seals during all phases of rehabilitation, from intake, food preparation and feeding, and sample collection to their release along the Dutch coast.
- Collected faecal samples for lungworm identification. Assisted during surgeries, x-rays, and necropsies, and administered medication.
Research Intern & PADI Divemaster Internship
Bahamas Marine Conservation Program, GapForce
06.2017 - 09.2017
- Led 22 volunteers on AGGRA fish and benthic species identification and surveying techniques.
- Supervised volunteer safety, assisted with organising the dive schedule, and general camp maintenance.
Education
Master of Science - Marine Biology (Research)
James Cook University
Townsville, QLD01.2024
Bachelor of Science - Zoology (Industrial)
University of Leeds
Leeds, United Kingdom01.2022
1st year BSc Chemistry -
University of Leeds
Leeds, United Kingdom01.2018
Skills
- PAM sensor operation
- Spectrophotometer operation
- Par meter operation and measurements
- Temperature probe measurements
- Advanced Excel proficiency
- Statistical analysis using SPSS
- Data analysis using R and R Studio
- Spatial data visualisation with ArcGIS
- Effective small vessel handling
- Remote leadership and collaboration
- Flexibility in dynamic settings
- Critical thinking
- Effective communication and group coordination
- Bilingual in French and English
Certification
- QLD driving license
- French & QLD Recreational boat license
- PADI Divemaster (Over 250 scientific dives completed)
- PADI specialities: Deep, Enriched Air Diver, Wreck Diver, Underwater Navigator, Coral reef Research diver, Fish ID, Emergency Oxygen Provider, AWARE Coral Reef Conservation Specialty.
- Certified BSAC assistant diving instructor
- JCU Dive Coordinator
- Short range VHF Marine Radio
- HTLAID015, HTLAID010, HTLAID011, HTLAID009
Research Expeditions
Dive Coordinator and Field Research Assistant
10-day Expedition, JCU | Orpheus Island Research Station, Australia.
- Served as dive coordinator, vessel master, and scientific diver, conducting benthic and rabbitfish surveys, and spearfishing for gut analysis.
Dive Coordinator and Field Research Assistant
17-day Expedition, JCU | Lizard Island Research Station, Australia.
- Served as dive coordinator, vessel master, and scientific diver, conducting benthic surveys recording rabbitfish pairing behaviour.
Field Research Assistant
6-day Macroalgae Removal Expedition, Earthwatch & JCU | Magnetic Island, Australia.
- Scientific diver and vessel master for coral restoration project, removing macroalgae and carrying out algae surveys.
- Examined coral settlement plates.
Field Research Assistant
10-day Elasmobranch Expedition, JCU | Reef Magic Pontoon, Moore Reef, Australia.
- Executed 100m DOV surveys and copiloted ROV operations in challenging conditions.
Volunteering
Field Volunteer, Kyparissia Bay Field Project, Archelon (08/2021 - 09/2021)
- Conducted beach surveys and nest excavations to collect hatchling and nest data. Patrolled light-polluted areas at night for hatchling releases. Participated in public awareness events, presenting the project's conservation goals and activities.
Research Volunteer , Marine Scientist Training Program, GapForce (01/2017 - 03/2017)
- Conducted AGGRA fish surveys and lionfish culls to reduce the invasive population.
Turtle husbandry, Carapace, JCU Turtle Research Centre (2024)
Dive Leader Assistant Instructor , Leeds University Union Sub Aqua Club (09/2021 - 05/2022)
- Provided support to students during training sessions. Ensured adherence to safety protocols and dive regulations.
Zoology course representative , University of Leeds (2021-2022)
Secretary, Leeds University Union Marine Science and Conservation Society (2019-2020)
President and founding member of the Leeds University Union Zoology Society (2019-2020)
Timeline
Teaching Assistant
Techniques in Marine Science, JCU
09.2025 - Current
Crown-of-thorns Control Diver
Pacific Marine Group
08.2025 - 09.2025
Teaching Assistant (Lab & Field)
Life History and Evolution of Reef Corals, JCU
02.2025 - 04.2025
Volunteer Coral Husbandry Aquarist
SeaSim, Australian Institute of Marine Science
10.2024 - Current
Monitoring Field Leader
Kyparissia Bay Field Project, ARCHELON
06.2022 - 10.2022
Field Volunteer
Kyparissia Bay Field Project, ARCHELON
08.2021 - 09.2021
Intern Seal Caregiver
A Seal
09.2020 - 04.2021
Research Intern & PADI Divemaster Internship
Bahamas Marine Conservation Program, GapForce
06.2017 - 09.2017
Master of Science - Marine Biology (Research)
James Cook University
Bachelor of Science - Zoology (Industrial)
University of Leeds
1st year BSc Chemistry -
University of Leeds