Ms. Ester Skylaki | Oceanography | Best Researcher Award

PhD candidate at Hellenic Centre For Marine Research, Greece

Ester Skylaki, a Greek PhD candidate in Chemical Oceanography, is dedicated to studying the dynamics of carbon sinks in the Mediterranean Sea. Born on October 19, 1994, Ester has established herself as an expert in marine pollution, chemical oceanography, and organic geochemistry. Her academic journey has been shaped by a strong focus on lipid biomarkers, particulate organic matter, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques. Ester’s research is guided by her passion for understanding biogeochemical processes and their implications on marine environments. With a deep commitment to environmental science, she has presented at various international conferences and collaborated on numerous publications. Ester’s contributions extend beyond research, as she also provides training in marine pollution and environmental science.

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Education

Ester Skylaki’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the Technological Educational Institution of the Ionian Islands (2013–2019), where she focused on microplastics in fish from Greek waters. She later pursued a Master’s in Oceanography and Marine Environmental Management at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (2019–2022), achieving a final grade of 8.93. Her thesis explored the impact of biogeochemical processes on organic contaminant cycling in the Hellenic Seas. Currently, she is a PhD candidate at the University of Crete (2023–present), where she is researching carbon sinks in the eastern Mediterranean, particularly the effects of atmospheric dynamics and biogeochemical processes. Ester’s education reflects her commitment to both the scientific understanding and management of marine ecosystems.

work Experience

Ester Skylaki has accumulated substantial experience in the field of marine science and oceanography. In 2020, she completed a postgraduate scholarship at the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), focusing on organic pollutant transport in the Greek seas. From 2023 onward, Ester has been engaged in multiple research projects, contributing to the study of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the Aegean and Ionian seas. Her work also extends to environmental data analysis for maritime research and pollution management. Ester has worked on various research programs, including “INFO 2020” and “ZERO CARBON FOOTPRINT GREEN SHIPPING.” She has participated in internships, notably with MEDSEALITTER, developing protocols to protect Mediterranean biodiversity from litter impact. Ester has been involved in numerous practical training sessions and international seminars, showcasing her ability to communicate and apply her scientific knowledge in real-world environmental contexts.

Awards and Honors

Ester Skylaki has received multiple scholarships and recognitions for her academic and research achievements. She was awarded a postgraduate scholarship in 2020 by the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, where she worked on marine pollution research. Ester has also been a recipient of the Ph.D. student contract under the “NAVGREEN” research program for sustainable shipping and carbon reduction. In 2018, she earned a Professional Lifeguard degree from the Life Saving Academy and has participated in competitive canoe-kayak events, winning medals. Ester has also been honored for her work in environmental education and training, including presenting at the 5th International Congress on Applied Ichthyology and Oceanography in 2024. Her academic dedication continues to be recognized, as she presents her work internationally, contributing to the scientific community’s understanding of marine pollution and climate change.

Research Focus

Ester Skylaki’s research primarily focuses on chemical oceanography, specifically the study of carbon sinks and their variability in the Mediterranean Sea. Her PhD thesis examines the effects of atmospheric dynamics and biogeochemical processes on seasonal and interannual carbon sink variability. Ester’s research also investigates marine pollution, particularly the transport and cycling of organic contaminants in the Mediterranean, as well as the interaction between natural and biogeochemical processes in the open sea. She uses cutting-edge techniques like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to study lipid biomarkers and particulate organic matter, which provides insights into the environmental health of marine ecosystems. Ester’s research is essential for understanding the impact of human activities on marine environments and contributes to broader efforts in climate change mitigation and sustainable marine management.

Skills

Ester Skylaki possesses a diverse set of skills relevant to chemical oceanography and marine pollution research. She is proficient in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and organic geochemistry techniques, which are integral to her analysis of lipid biomarkers and particulate organic matter. Ester has extensive experience with environmental databases, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and statistical analysis tools like SPSS. She is skilled in software such as Surfer for 2D & 3D mapping and analysis, AutoCAD for technical design, and Scilab for data processing. Her work involves field data collection, chemical analysis, and interpreting complex datasets related to marine pollution. Ester also has a strong foundation in scientific communication, presenting her research at international conferences and conducting training for educators. Her expertise extends to managing research projects, contributing to environmental data analysis, and developing protocols for marine conservation.

Conclusion

Ester Skylaki’s academic excellence, substantial contributions to chemical oceanography, and active involvement in addressing marine environmental challenges make her a strong contender for the Research for Best Researcher Award. With her focus on sustainable oceanography and marine pollution, she has shown leadership in her field. Her continued research efforts promise significant contributions to advancing scientific knowledge and environmental preservation. With a slight focus on expanding collaborations and influencing policy, Skylaki has the potential to become a leading voice in marine environmental science.

Publications to Noted

Occurrence, sources and water column distribution trends of suspended particle-associated aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the open northeastern Mediterranean Sea

Authors: Parinos, C., Skylaki, E., Hatzianestis, I., Gogou, A.

Citations: 1

Year: 2024

Journal: Science of the Total Environment, Volume 914, Article 169685

Late glacial marine transgression and ecosystem response in the landlocked Elefsis Bay (Northern Saronikos Gulf, Greece)

Authors: Kouli, K., Triantaphyllou, M.V., Koukousioura, O., Anagnostou, C., Karageorgis, A.P., et al.

Citations: 6

Year: 2021

Journal: Water (Switzerland), Volume 13, Issue 11, Article 1505

Using Boops boops (osteichthyes) to assess microplastic ingestion in the Mediterranean Sea

Authors: Tsangaris, C., Digka, N., Valente, T., Wongdontree, P., Matiddi, M., et al.

Citations: 51

Year: 2020

Journal: Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 158, Article 111397

Ester Skylaki | Oceanography | Best Researcher Award