Maria Palacios

Dr. Maria Palacios

Senior Research Fellow
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Details

Open to

  • Masters Research or PhD student supervision
  • Media enquiries
  • Collaborative projects

About

I lead interdisciplinary research that creates sustainable solutions for people and nature. 

 

As a marine ecologist and science communicator, I work at the intersection of community engagement, ecological restoration, and nature-based climate solutions—leading research that regenerates ecosystems and empowers people. Over the past decade, I have developed award-winning participatory science programs and interdisciplinary collaborations that connect communities to place, foster climate literacy, and inform action at local, national, and international levels. 

 

I serve at the STEM CHEAN Human Ethics Research Committee.

Research fields

  • 310305 Marine and estuarine ecology (incl. marine ichthyology)
  • 41 Environmental sciences
  • 350717 Stakeholder engagement
  • 330405 Public participation and community engagement

UN sustainable development goals

  • 13 Climate Action
  • 14 Life Below Water
  • 17 Partnerships for the Goals
  • 15 Life on Land

Academic positions

  • Senior Research Fellow
  • RMIT University
  • Melbourne, Australia
  • 2024 – Present
  • Research Fellow
  • Deakin University
  • Melbourne, Australia
  • 2018 – 2024
  • Ian Potter Doctoral Fellow, Lizard Island Research Station
  • James Cook University
  • Townsville, Australia
  • 2015 – 2016

Non-academic positions

  • Environmental consultant
  • The Nature Conservancy
  • Bogotá, Colombia
  • 2012 – 2013
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Conservation International
  • Bogota, Colombia
  • 2010 – 2012

Degrees

  • Ph.D, Biological Sciences
  • James Cook University
  • Australia
  • 2013 – 2018

Supervisor projects

  • Barriers and opportunities to blue carbon projects in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO)
  • 1 Jun 2025
  • IMPROVING DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN MANGROVE RESTORATION
  • 12 Dec 2024

Teaching interests

I supervise HDR students (Honours, PhDs) and undergraduate Applied Science Projects in the School of Science.

Research interests

  • Coastal Wetlands
  • Indigenous, Industry and Community engagement
  • Citizen Science
  • Social Science
  • Science Communication & Outreach
  • Wetland Restoration & Conservation

Initiatives and links

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures