About us

The Curtin Coastal Ecology Group (CCEG) is a research group led by Dr Sam Starko focused on understanding the ecological and evolutionary processes that structure coastal ecosystems under accelerating environmental change. The group integrates field ecology, population genomics, and experimental approaches to investigate the resilience, adaptation, and recovery of marine foundation species, with a particular emphasis on kelp forests and temperate reef systems. CCEG’s research addresses critical questions around climate extremes, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem functioning, and is tightly aligned with national priorities in marine conservation, climate adaptation, and sustainable ocean management. The group maintains strong collaborations across Australia and internationally.

The CCEG is currently seeking motivated Honours and HDR students interested in coastal and marine ecology, climate change biology, and the ecology and genomics of marine foundation species. Projects span kelp forest resilience, population connectivity and adaptation, ecosystem responses to marine heatwaves, and coastal restoration science, with opportunities for extensive fieldwork, molecular and genomic analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students will join a dynamic and supportive research environment and gain training in advanced analytical methods, scientific communication, and professional development. Applicants with backgrounds in marine biology, ecology, environmental science, or related disciplines are encouraged to enquire.

We extend our deep gratitude to the numerous First Nations in whose traditional, unceded or treaty lands and waters we work and play. We are grateful for our existing partnerships with First Nations groups and hope that these will set the stage for additional collaborations with other Indigenous Peoples with interest in furthering our collective understanding of the coastal marine ecosystems that they have long stewarded and on which we all rely.