Associate Professor Luciana Moller

I am an Associate Professor of Cetacean Ecology in the College of Science and Engineering at Flinders University, where I lead the Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab and serve as Deputy Head of the Molecular Ecology Lab. I am also Course Coordinator for the Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology) and Higher Degree Research Advisor for the Natural Sciences Program. Internationally, I contribute to marine mammal conservation as a member of the IUCN Cetacean Specialist Group.

I am a marine ecologist, research leader and educator working at the interface of biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation and sustainable ocean development. My research integrates ecology, genomics, animal movement, behaviour, health and environmental impact science to understand how marine species respond to environmental change and human activities, and to support evidence-based conservation and management.

Using long-term ecological monitoring, satellite tracking, conservation genomics, habitat modelling and population ecology, I investigate the processes shaping species distribution, connectivity, population recovery and resilience. My work has contributed to the conservation and management of dolphins and whales throughout Australia and internationally, particularly threatened and recovering cetacean populations.

I collaborate extensively with government agencies, industry partners, NGOs and research organisations to assess environmental risks, identify important habitats, and develop science-based approaches to marine conservation and sustainable ocean use. Current research addresses marine mammal conservation, ocean health, environmental change, marine spatial planning, environmental impact assessment and offshore renewable energy development.

Alongside research, I am committed to research-led education and mentorship. Through teaching, supervision and collaborative learning environments, I support students in developing the scientific, analytical and professional skills needed to address complex environmental challenges.

Before joining Flinders University, I held research positions at Macquarie University and Yale University. I completed a PhD in Environmental Sciences at Macquarie University and a Bachelor of Science in Oceanography at the Federal University of Rio Grande, Brazil.