DR MELISSA BEATA MARTIN
Senior Scientist
Marine Biology Programme, UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA TERENGGANU
University Malaysia Terengganu
21030 Kuala Nerus
Terengganu
Malaysia
Research
Other
Research & Innovation
Published 25+ peer-reviewed papers (10+ WoS, 15+ Scopus) on taxonomy, parasitology, invasive species, and ecology.
Contributed to species revalidations, taxonomic reviews, and parasite-host biodiversity studies.
Secured 10 + research and innovation grants as PI and co-researcher on projects involving parasitology, microplastics in isopods, fish assemblages, and taxonomic research innovation and citizen science outputs.
Developed 4 research-based innovations/copyrights (EpoXonomy, MuseGo, CVC Blue School Modules, Malaysia Aqua Archive (MAQIVE).
Recognised with international and national awards: Hugh Kelly Fellowship (2024), BIOSES Best Speaker Award (2024), UMT Anugerah Perkhidmatan Cemerlang (2019).
Citation metrics: h-index 8, 239 citations (Scopus) as of 2025.
Teaching & Supervision
Taught 8 undergraduate subjects including Marine Ecology, Marine Invertebrates, Biological Classification, Diseases & Parasites of Marine Organisms.
Reached 1,500+ students through lectures, fieldwork, and lab-based courses.
Supervised 5 Master’s students (4 completed, 1 ongoing as main and co-supervisor).
Guided 60+ final-year (honours) projects
Recipient of UMT Young Lecturer Teaching & Learning Award (2020).
Community Engagement & Service
Leading the UNESCO-BLUE SCHOOL network for the Malaysian region
Led/co-led 6+ outreach projects with WWF-Malaysia, SEAFDEC, and DoF (e.g. shark and ray conservation, marine debris education, eco-youth marine programmes).
Delivered 25+ invited talks and workshops internationally (FAO, Rhodes University, Dalian Ocean University, LKCNHM).
Featured in TV3, Bernama, Majalah 3, WWF campaigns, and global magazines on marine biodiversity and parasites.
Served as jury/panel assessor in 7+ academic and innovation competitions.
Mentored youth in global sustainability initiatives (YUFE, Roots & Shoots, Young Scientist Network-Academy of Sciences Malaysia National Science Challenge).
Networks & Collaborations
Active member of European Association of Fish Pathologists, Australian Society for Parasitology, Malaysian Society of Parasitology & Tropical Medicine, Malaysian Nature Society, and Young Scientist Network–Academy of Sciences Malaysia.
Honorary Research Associate at South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB).
Collaborations with Austarlian Museum, Queensland Museum, and Museum of Tropical Queensland.
Contributor to FAO EAF-Nansen Programme and UNESCO-linked biodiversity initiatives.
Indian Ocean
South Pacific Ocean
Research & Analytical Skills
Expertise in taxonomy and systematics, specialising in isopods and parasitic invertebrates.
Skilled in aquatic parasitology: parasite identification, host–parasite ecology, and fish health assessments.
Strong background in invertebrate biodiversity and marine ecology (field surveys, ecological indices.
Proficient in molecular and morphological techniques (phylogenetics, microscopy, morphometrics).
Teaching & Supervision
Course design and delivery in Marine Parasitology, and Classification of Organisms.
Skilled in fieldwork training, laboratory techniques, and student mentoring.
Supervision of postgraduate and undergraduate research projects (quantitative and qualitative approaches).
Knowledge of outcome-based education (OBE), problem-based learning (PBL), and innovative pedagogy.
Innovation & Communication
Developer of research-based innovations and science communication tools (MAQIVE, ePO).
Skilled in knowledge transfer and translating scientific outputs for public audiences.
Recognised science communicator, with features in TV, print media, and conservation campaigns.
Competence in public speaking, workshop facilitation, and international training delivery.
Leadership & Networking
Active in professional societies and research networks (ASM Young Scientist Network, WWF, SEAFDEC, FAO EAF-Nansen).
Experienced mentor in youth sustainability programmes (YUFE, Roots & Shoots).
Strong collaboration networks with institutions in Malaysia, Australia, and South Africa.
Service as jury/panel assessor in academic symposia and innovation competitions.
English
Indonesian
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Melissa-Martin-23
Other: Scopus ID: 57209499394