Researchers
Students
Alumni
ManagementJoshua Bonesso
PhD Candidate
• BSc. (Wildlife & Conservation Biology) - Latrobe University • BSc. (Hons) - James Cook University
Reef Ecology & Island Futures Lab (REIFLab)
University of Western Australia
joshua.bonesso@research.uwa.edu.au
ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies
James Cook University Townsville
Queensland 4811 Australia
Phone: 61 7 4781 4000
Email: info@coralcoe.org.au
PhD Candidate
• BSc. (Wildlife & Conservation Biology) - Latrobe University • BSc. (Hons) - James Cook University
Reef Ecology & Island Futures Lab (REIFLab)
University of Western Australia
joshua.bonesso@research.uwa.edu.au
Josh developed a deep passion for coral reefs from a very young age, having spent many vacations exploring the islands of the South Pacific. Having undertook an undergraduate degree at Latrobe University, Melbourne, in Conservation Biology and Ecology, Josh gained valuable real-world experience across terrestrial and marine systems. Following a third year field course to Heron Island on the Great Barrier Reef, Josh was hooked, and relocated to Townsville to complete an Honours degree in coral biology at James Cook University in 2014. His research was aimed at underpinning the molecular mechanisms involved in the regeneration and recovery of injured scleractinian (branching) corals under increase sea surface temperature and storm frequency in the Capricornia Cays, Great Barrier Reef.
Following his Honours degree, Josh was appointed Senior Technician – (Earth Sciences) at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, from 2015 – 2019. Throughout his 5 year employment, Josh was instrumental in providing technical, research and teaching support in the School of Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences. From here, Josh embarked on his PhD journey in WA, beginning July of 2019.
Josh’s PhD is investigating the resilience and stability of carbonate reef-islands under changing metocean states in the Pilbara Archipelago, Western Australia. His research will involve multidisciplinary techniques/methods include/spanning (1) carbonate sedimentology, (2) coral reef ecology (3) reef paleoecology, (3) remote sensing (LiDAR) and (3) radiometric dating (14C and U/Th). His ultimate goal is to provide a novel and transdisciplinary approach for investigating historical island development, contemporary landform stability, and future island resilience under global environmental change, with an application to tropical reef-island systems worldwide. His supervisory team includes Dr Mick O’Leary (UWA), Dr Nicola Browne (Curtin), Dr Michael Cuttler (UWA) and Prof Ryan Lowe (UWA).
Selected Publications:
Bonesso JL, Leggat, W, Ainsworth, TD. (2017) Exposure to elevated sea-surface temperatures below the bleaching threshold impairs coral recovery and regeneration from injury.PeerJ 5: e3719
A new study on the effects of climate change in five tropical countries has found fisheries are in more trouble than agriculture, and poor people are in the most danger. Distinguished Profess
James Cook University researchers have found brightly coloured fish are becoming increasingly rare as coral declines, with the phenomenon likely to get worse in the future. Christopher Hemingson, a
Researchers working with stakeholders in the Great Barrier Reef region have come up with ideas on how groups responsible for looking after the reef can operate more effectively when the next bleaching
A new study has delivered a stark warning about the impacts of urban growth on the world’s coral reefs. As coastal developments expand at pace around the world, a year-long study of coral on a reef
Abstract: As marine species adapt to climate change, their heat tolerance will likely be under strong selection. Individual variation in heat tolerance and its heritability underpin the potential fo
Abstract: The Reef Ecology Lab in KAUST’s Red Sea Research Center explores many aspects of movement ecology of marine organisms, ranging from adult migrations to intergenerational larval dispersal
Abstract: Macroalgal meadows are a prominent, yet often maligned component of the tropical seascape. Our work at Ningaloo reef in WA demonstrate that canopy forming macroalgae provide habitat for ad
Abstract: Sharks are generally perceived as strong and fearsome animals. With fossils dating back at least 420 million years, sharks are not only majestic top predators but they also outlived dinosa
Abstract: Connectivity plays a vital role in many ecosystems through its effects on fundamental ecological and evolutionary processes. Its consequences for populations and metapopulations have been
Abstract: Evolution of many eukaryotic organisms is affected by interactions with microbes. Microbial symbioses can ultimately reflect host’s diet, habitat range, and even body shape. However, how
Abstract: The past few years have seen unprecedented coral bleaching and mortality on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) but the consequences of this on biodiversity are not yet known. This talk will expl
Abstract: Molecular approaches have revolutionised our understanding of the systematics and evolution of most branches on the tree of life, including corals. Over the last twenty-five years molecula
Partner Research Institutions
ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies
James Cook University Townsville
Queensland 4811 Australia
Phone: 61 7 4781 4000
Email: info@coralcoe.org.au