Aviv Suan

My fascination with the ocean began in a small coastal village in Sri Lanka, where my father's stories of his favorite reef sparked my curiosity about marine life. This early interest led me to pursue a degree in Marine Biology at the University of Hawai'i, where I developed a strong foundation in marine ecosystems.

After graduating, I joined NOAA's Marine Debris Team and contributed to removing 57 tons of discarded fishing gear from the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. This experience underscored the critical impact of human activities on marine environments and reinforced my commitment to ocean conservation.

I then transitioned to NOAA's benthic team, focusing on the health and demographics of coral populations across various Pacific islands. This role involved extensive fieldwork and data analysis, deepening my understanding of coral reef ecosystems and their challenges. My graduate studies further explored the relationships between humans and nature within social-ecological systems, examining how human activities influence marine environments and developing integrated management approaches for sustainability.

Currently, I am a Project Manager at the Madin Lab at the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology, where I utilize my skills in remote sensing, GIS applications, and spatial analysis to advance our understanding and management of marine ecosystems. My work focuses on integrating these technologies with social-ecological research to develop methods that are both ecologically sound and socially relevant. I am driven by a commitment to understanding and protecting ocean ecosystems, aiming to create impactful conservation strategies that balance human needs with environmental health.

June 2024