Eleni: “Combining science and art to protect marine ecosystems”

Eleni Christoforou is passionate about protecting marine ecosystems through research and innovation. Her work involves a blend of field research, including snorkeling and SCUBA diving, and office-based projects like report writing and policy development. Eleni tells about the challenges faced by the marine environment, and the value of international cooperation in achieving sustainable solutions.

What is your current work position?

“I currently work as an assistant scientist at the CMMI-Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute.”

Can you describe one of your work days?

“Work days can vary significantly between each other. Some days are mostly spent in the office, attending online and in-person meetings, and working on reports, deliverables and proposals. Other, more fun days, are spent in the field, where we go snorkeling or SCUBA diving for research purposes, for example sample collection and monitoring of selected sites.“

What do you consider the most interesting part of your job?

“The most interesting part of my job is that I get to work for (and sometimes at) the marine environment. I want to believe that what we do has an impact in understanding and protecting these ecosystems. I also like that we get to work, as a team, on various projects therefore, there is a constant challenge in meeting numerous goals and motivation in engaging in different activities.”

What is a topic that you see as increasingly important in the water sector?

“The water sector, especially from the perspective of the marine environment, is facing many challenges but I believe the most important are anthropogenic stressors like pollution.“

What do you expect from international cooperation?

“International cooperation is a gateway in policy formation as the ocean is impacted by all the countries of the world and uniform protection measures are essential for substantial change. “

Why are you joining EJWP?

“EJWP is a great opportunity to meet likeminded professionals and get a headstart in international cooperation.”

What and where did you study?

“I got a BSc in Marine Biology and a BA in Art at the University of California, Santa Cruz, USA. I then went to Scotland where I pursued a PhD at the University of Glasgow on the effects of microplastic and light pollution on the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis.“