Roxana is an early-career marine conservationist with a strong dedication to the restoration and protection of our world’s oceans. Growing up as an avid scuba diver and kitesurfer in Mauritius, she developed a deep connection with the marine ecosystems surrounding this small island nation. After 16 years, Roxana left the Indian Ocean and moved to the UAE to complete high school, where she interned at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, gaining early experience in marine species research and care.

Roxana completed her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences at the University of Exeter, focusing on marine ecology, ocean conservation, and the management of coastal social-ecological systems. During this time, she also earned her PADI Divemaster qualification and produced a dissertation that contributed to the establishment of a regional mangrove restoration project for the NEOM Environment Department in the Saudi Red Sea.

Following her graduation, Roxana joined the Marine Division of the NEOM Nature Reserve on a work placement, contributing to several large-scale projects on biodiversity monitoring, marine species conservation, habitat enhancement, and ecosystem-based fisheries management. Before commencing her Master’s at KAUST, she worked as an Environmental Consultant at KAUST Beacon Development (KBD), collaborating with clients such as NEOM, Red Sea Global, and the National Centre for Wildlife (NCW). In this role, she gained hands-on experience in ecosystem restoration, marine megafauna monitoring, benthic habitat assessment, and sustainable development.

Driven by curiosity and a deep-rooted passion for the underwater world, Roxana is committed to advancing data-driven strategies for the conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems in the Red Sea and beyond.