BIO

About
E.Symigdalas
The sea has been part of my life since I can remember. Since the beginning of my high school years I knew that I wanted to work on and explore marine ecosystems. Even though I had not learned a lot about the oceans in terms of science, I always loved to read about them and was already familiar with the environment due to my exprience in sailing. When I extended my knowledge of the marine world and became a Marine Scientist at Heriot Watt University I realized that there is nothing as magical and majestic as the ocean and the wonders that lay underneath the surface as I am sure can amaze everyone. During my field-trips and research I had the chance to visit some places around the world and capture some moments that are trully spectacular for me.
Throughout my reseasrch trips I saw that the oceans are severly damaged by several human practices such as pollution, overfishing, dregding, coastal development etc. What I realized is that the time to maintain the healthy status of such a prestine, delicate and sensitive environment is not enough and technological advancements are needed in order to help save the marine environment.
Nowadays I am working on finding more advanced ways of monitoring the marine ecosystems and especially the coral reefs which have been significantly impacted by the human activity all over the world.



Research Topics
Coral Reef Environment Autonomous Monitoring System (CREAMS) Concept Development
Dec 2019 - until today
Investigation of Marine populations’ Diversity and Abundance around Dryonissi Island, Paros, Greece
Apr 2019 – Sep 2019
Frontier Fiji Marine/ Reefcheck Coral Reef Monitoring (Assistant Research Officer)
Jun 2018 – Nov 2018
Investigation of Herbivore Marine Populations’ Diversity and Abundance at Bidong and Redang Islands, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia (April 2017-August 2017).
Apr 2017 – Aug 2017
Correlation between Posidonia sea grass and Loggerhead sea turtles nesting area choice, Kefalonia island, Greece
Jun 2015 – Sep 2015
Education
Lloyds Maritime Academy
Certificate in Maritime Environmental Management (2020)
Heriot-Watt University
Master of Science MSc Marine Sciences (2016-2017)
University Malaysia Terengganu UMT (partly enrolled)
Master of Science MSc Marine Biology (2017)
University of Portsmouth
Bachelor of Science BSc Biology (2013-2016)
Participations
Speaker at the 3rd Summer Workshop of the Hellenic Biodiversity Center. Topic: Underwater Photography (How to use our cameras correctly and how to approach marine life) (July 2021-August 2021)
Link Below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTdEAXOAUDs&t=290s&ab_channel=Biodiversitygr
Presentor at the 14th International Coral Reef Symposium 2021
Topic: Investigation of Herbivore Marine Populations' Diversity and Abundance at Bind and Redang Islands, Kuala Terengganu Malaysia and Innovative Coral Reef Monitoring Methods
Guest at the "Kalokairi Mazi" TV Show ANT1 Greek Television
Appeared on national TV as a guest for the show "Kalokairi Mazi" on ANT1 (Hosted by Nikoleta Ralli) live from Fiji islands to talk about the environmental impact of humans in the oceans and my career development until today.
Certificates
SSI Dive Guide 2016
Scientific Diver. since 2016
SSI Science of Diving 2018
PADI Rescue Diver 2015
PADI Emergency First Responder 2015
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver 2014
PADI Open Water Diver 2014
HELMEPA Associate Member since. 2020
Marine Biological Association Proffesional Member. since 2017
SEOK Hellenic Oceanographers Association Member. since 2020
Marine Conservation Society Member
REEFCHECK ECO Diver. since 2018