Prof. Nessa O’Connor is a Professor in Zoology at Trinity College Dublin within the School of Natural Sciences. She is a marine ecologist with > 20 years experience and has published extensively on topics relating to the impacts of global change in marine benthic ecosystems and the effects of loss of species on the functioning of coastal communities. Her research includes fundamental and applied aspects of ecology and often provides evidence for science-based policy and management of marine ecosystems. Prof. O’Connor currently supervises four PhD students, working on how changing currents affect phytoplankton dynamics, kelp population structure, impacts of multiple stressors on native oysters and biogenic reef restoration methods.