Meet the scientist awarded the Trevor Platt Fellowship: Monolisha Sundar Raj

Monolisha describes how she discovered satellite remote sensing, and when she heard about the Trevor Platt Fellowship, and why she decided to apply. 

“I am deeply humbled to be selected as the latest Trevor Platt Fellow at Plymouth Marine Laboratory. This opportunity is huge to me because of my longstanding connection with Prof. Trevor Platt FRS, whom I had the privilege of knowing since 2015 when he visited India as a prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru Science Fellow.” 

“During this time, I was first introduced to satellite remote sensing by Prof. Trevor Platt. I still vividly remember him teaching me the fundamentals of mathematics and physics (sometimes, he also taught French to me), while also embedding the concept of ecological province classification in my mind. It was an incredible opportunity to meet him and learn directly from his expertise, an unforgettable experience of my lifetime that continues to shape my approach to marine science and what I am as a person today.” 

“Inspired by his insights, I pursued research on ecoregion classification using optical properties, a topic that remains central to both my PhD research at ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi, and Mangalore University, Karnataka. Prof. Platt’s mentorship and lessons on the concept of biogeography and ecoregion classification, has since become a major focus of my academic journey.” 

“His passing in 2020 was a profound loss, coinciding with my career break due to maternity during the COVID pandemic. I had always aspired to apply for the inaugural Trevor Platt Fellowship in 2023 but unfortunately couldn’t make it. When the second call for applications was announced through PML News on LinkedIn, I was hesitant to apply. However, with encouragement from my mentors and a push from my lab allies, I decided to seize this opportunity to pursue my research proposal.” 

“It is with immense happiness that I share that I am the first woman to receive the prestigious Trevor Platt Fellowship from Plymouth Marine Laboratory. This achievement is not just a personal milestone but also a tribute to the inspiration and guidance I received from Prof. Platt and Dr. Shubha Sathyendranath, Emeritus Scientist at PML. I look forward to carrying forward his legacy and contributing to the field of marine biogeography and remote sensing.” 

Monolisha describes her previous experience in marine science – exploring rich and biodiverse marine ecosystems with her research – and shares her journey to this fellowship at the laboratory. 

“My passion for marine science, ecology, and biodiversity took root during my postgraduate studies at Madras Christian College, India, where I pursued M.Sc. in Marine Studies and Coastal Resource Management. Our professors strongly emphasized field-based learning, taking us on monthly field trips to the Madras Christian College Pulicat Estuarine Biological Research Centre (MCC PEBRC), located in Pulicat or Pazhaverkadu, the second-largest lagoon system in India. Steeped in history from Portuguese and Dutch colonization, Pulicat as a historic seashore town became our natural classroom, where we studied diverse marine ecosystems; mangroves, seagrass, seaweed habitats, fisheries, and the socioeconomics of fisher communities along its coastline.” 

Image above: Monolisha exploring the Pulicat estuarine system to study the mangroves and oyster beds for dissertation research works. 

Image above: Monolisha cherishing the kids of Irulars’, the indigenous community of fishing villages bordering Pulicat estuary.

“During my degree, I was fortunate to receive sponsorship from the Foundation for Ecological Research, Advocacy, and Learning (FERAL) & Madras Christian College, which enabled me to collaborate with a cohort of marine and social science students under the mentorship of Prof. Neil Pelkey from Juniata College, Pennsylvania, USA, and Dr. Dipani Sutaria, a renown marine mammal expert of India. As part of this program, I was trained in marine biodiversity assessment methods and ecological analysis, conducting fieldwork at the Andaman Islands and Pulicat Lab. These experiences ignited my curiosity and led me to research on oyster diversity along the Tamil Nadu and Andaman coasts for my dissertation. For some years, I was involved in underwater research, studying biodiversity of shell fishes along the east coast of India. Alongside my studies, I actively participated in habitat restoration and monitoring activities, coastal clean-ups, awareness campaigns, and marine biodiversity conservation workshops for a cause I continue to advocate for today.” 

Images above: Prof. Neil Pelkey, teaching marine biodiversity survey methods at the Andaman Islands and a field trip off the islands.

Image above: Monolisha scuba-diving to explore marine biodiversity in Indian waters  

Image above: Monolisha snorkelling and Skin-Diving for Line Transect Surveys off the East coast of India 

“In 2014, I stepped onboard my research career at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI), Kochi, India, as a Research Associate. My work initially focused on mangrove conservation value assessment, worked with Dr. Grinson George, ICAR-CMFRI. In this project, I was involved in conducting mangrove diversity assessments, data management, statistical analysis, and report writing. Though my tenure in this project was short (six months), it opened new prospects for me. In 2015, I joined as a Young Professional, working with Prof. Trevor Platt on optical classification of the Northern Indian Ocean using satellite-derived reflectance datasets. This work was later published in Frontiers in Marine Science. Combined with research, I conducted lectures and training sessions for Winter School programs at ICAR-CMFRI, sharing the knowledge I gained under Prof. Platt’s mentorship.” 

Image above: Map on optical classification of coastal waters in the Northern Indian Ocean basin was carried out for a representative month from each of the four seasons. This classification aimed to capture seasonal variations in dynamic coastal waters by analyzing satellite-derived optical properties. 

Image above: A fond memory from the JNSF project – a picture with Prof. Trevor Platt and Dr. Shubha Sathyendranath  

Image above: Teaching to the winter school participants at the ICAR-CMFRI, Kochi, as part of the JNSF project 

“And then, one of the most gratifying projects I worked on was assessing the impact of satellite-based ocean information services on fisher welfare under the guidance of Dr. Shyam S. Salim, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CMFRI. This project provided valuable insights into how ocean state forecasts and fishery advisories impact coastal communities across India, covering around 3000 fisher respondents of the Indian coast.” 

“A particularly fascinating aspect of this research was documenting Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (ITEK) in weather forecasting and fishing practices along Tamil Nadu’s coast. I thoroughly enjoyed engaging with traditional fishing practitioners, community leaders, and local fishers, whose oral dialects offered an invaluable understanding into ocean systems. Inspired by this, we conceptualized a Seasonal Ecological Calendar based on ecological indicators along the Tamil Nadu coastline, drawing inspiration from Prober et al., 2011 (Ecology and Society). This research was published in the Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge (Vol 18(4), October 2019, pp. 781-792).” 

“We recommended establishing ITEK databases to preserve this rich knowledge, recognizing that modernization, technological advancements, and declining intergenerational transmission are causing the gradual loss of this wisdom. Our project findings were later presented by me at the 12th Indian Fisheries & Aquaculture Forum (May 2022, Chennai, India, Abstract ID 16139, pp. 874) under the title: “Ocean and Climate Information Forecast Services: Evaluations from the Fisher Folk Communities of the West and East Coast of India.” This work was recognized with the Best Paper Award for our team. As part of this project, I was also involved in organizing training programs and awareness workshops for stakeholders across different coastal regions. Using Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methods, we facilitated discussions and hands-on training on the effective utilization of satellite-based ocean state forecasts and marine fishery advisory services.” 

Collage above: Monolisha listening to the fishers on the indigenous traditional ecological knowledge and during awareness campaigns 

Image above: Poster presented at the 12th IFAF Symposium, Chennai, India 

“In 2021-2022, I briefly worked as a Monitoring Assistant at the Coastal Aquaculture Authority, Government of India. My role involved scrutinizing aquaculture input applications, evaluating farming licenses, managing water quality data, and preparing reports. Though this role was outside my primary research focus, it became a turning point for me, and I realized that my true passion remained in marine ecology, research, and conservation. This realization motivated me to resume my Ph.D. research, which had been on hold due to family promises and childcare.” 

Image above: A Memorable Farewell from Coastal Aquaculture Authority, India 

“Lastly, before joining PML, I worked as a Field Assistant on a Marine Mammal Stock Assessment project in India, under Dr. Ratheesh Kumar R., Scientist, CMFRI. My role involved in collating information on marine mammal strandings across the Indian coastline, developing infographics, conducting species-wise stock assessments using distance model, and analyzing recurring stranding events in relation to the Arabian Sea’s biological dynamics. This project not only allowed me to contribute to marine mammal research but also provided financial support for my Ph.D. research. The project significantly helped me regain my momentum in research and most importantly, it was during this time that I secured the Trevor Platt Fellowship; an opportunity that has brought me back to PML.” 

Image above: Learning the shore-based marine mammal survey techniques as part of the workshop organised by Indian Marine Mammal Conservation Network of India, September 2024. 

Monolisha describes what she’s working on at here the laboratory, who she’s working with, and what she hopes to achieve during her time here. 

“My research focuses on the classification of marine ecological provinces based on optical diversity in the Northern Indian Ocean. Recognizing the need to integrate diverse datasets and derive biological meaning, this study aims to investigate the biogeography of dominant phytoplankton and zooplankton groups in relation to optical classes in the Northern Indian Ocean. The goal is to develop an integrated geospatial-biogeographic model, offering valuable insights into the biodiversity of phytoplankton (primary producers) and zooplankton (primary consumers) and their roles in marine trophic dynamics. These insights will be crucial in addressing the complex challenges of marine conservation.” 

“My primary host for this research is Emma Sullivan, an Earth Observation Scientist at the laboratory, whose work focuses on coastal habitats and biodiversity. The study aligns with ongoing projects at PML, such as FOCUS (on optical water types in transitional waters) and BOOMS (interpreting open ocean optical water types in relation to biodiversity). I will also receive technical support from Dr. Shubha Sathyendranath, Dr. Elizabeth Atwood and Dr. Victor Martinez-Vicente, whose expertise will be invaluable in refining my approach.” 

“I am confident that the Trevor Platt Fellowship at PML will provide the perfect platform to enhance my expertise in remote sensing and GIS applications, particularly in integrated ecosystem modeling. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to contribute meaningfully to my field while advancing marine science and conservation efforts on a broader scale.” 

Monolisha describes what she likes about living and working in Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City, and she tells us about her interests outside of work. 

“This is my second visit to Plymouth after a decade, and it holds a special place in my life as it was my first international destination. My first visit was in the year 2015 during summer, but this time, I’m experiencing winter, with spring yet to come. The blissful rains add to the beauty, creating a wonderful blend of weather, quite a contrast for someone accustomed to hot tropical temperatures ranging from 30 to 38°C. Plymouth is a beautiful port city with a rich history and heritage in ocean voyages, shipbuilding, and marine biodiversity research. It is home to many esteemed organizations and universities in England dedicated to the study of marine sciences. The city holds the legacy of HMS Beagle, which first set sail on a hydrographic survey expedition in 1826 before embarking on its legendary second voyage with Darwin, forever changing the course of scientific discovery.” 

“Walking in the footsteps of such history feels surreal, a reminder of how the ocean has always been a gateway to exploration and knowledge. Plymouth isn’t just a city; it’s a living archive of maritime heritage, a place where history and science intertwine. For anyone passionate about the sea; whether as an explorer, researcher, or dreamer, Plymouth feels like home. I can’t wait to uncover more of its stories, hidden between the tides and time.” 

Images above: A glimpse of Monolisha’s first visit to PML, 2015 

“And coming to my hobbies, I do photo-blogging (beginner), painting, and singing (rare phenomena that happens, without disturbing others’ peace). I enjoy listening to music and traveling. I also love writing blogs for my WordPress page, though it has been inactive for years; I’m hoping to find the motivation to restart it soon (fingers crossed). I actively contribute to my institution’s outreach activities, including coastal clean-ups and mangrove plantation drives, fostering environmental awareness and community engagement in coastal conservation efforts to whichever way I can. I have been closely connected with my volunteer friends on the Odisha coast, for more than a decade, they are tirelessly working to protect olive ridley turtle nesting sites at Gahirmatha and Rushikulya coastlines in Kendrapara and Ganjam districts. Their dedication extends beyond turtle conservation, currently, they are actively involved in restoring coastal resilience through mangrove and sand dune plantations to combat eroding shorelines. While nature has its own way of resilience, their unwavering commitment to conservation inspires me. Though I am not present there, I keep connected and communicated with their efforts from afar often.” 

Image above: An ensemble of volunteers, including Monolisha, supporting mangrove plantation and coastal cleanups in Kerala coast organized by ICAR-CMFRI, 2024. 

“With zest of puerile, I love teaching kids about marine biodiversity, conservation, and why it all matters. I truly believe they are the key to future conservation and sustainable management. Their curiosity, imagination, and sense of wonder make them the perfect learners, and what they learn today will shape how they care for the planet tomorrow. I have already started teaching my child about protecting the marine environment, especially from pollution. Simple things, like explaining why plastic doesn’t belong in the ocean, how sea creatures suffer from littering, and why we need to respect nature, can make a huge impact. I try to make it fun; through stories, little experiments, and even everyday choices of using reusable bottles and bags. It’s amazing how quickly kids pick up these ideas, and seeing my child become more aware and thoughtful about the ocean makes me feel more hopeful.” 

Image above: “Future Guardians for planet on prep: My Son as a Plastic Bag, quoting ‘There Is No Planet B’ 

We asked Monolisha if there was anything else she would like to add or include in this article. 

“I want to take this question to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has played a role in shaping the person I am today. The journey from being born as a slum girl to becoming a science fellow, hasn’t been easy, and every challenge I’ve faced has only strengthened my resolve. I owe my growth to the unwavering support of my family, friends, teachers and mentors, each of whom has guided me, encouraged me, and inspired me to push forward.” 

“A special thanks to Prof. Trevor Platt, Dr. Shubha Sathyendranath, Dr. Grinson George, Dr. Prathiba Rohit, Dr. Shyam S. Salim, Dr. Nandini Menon, and Dr. Ratheesh Kumar R. Their mentorship, wisdom, and belief in my work have been invaluable. Their guidance has not only helped me shape my scientific journey but also instilled in me the responsibility of giving back through research, conservation efforts, and education.” 

“If there’s one message I would like to leave behind, it’s that every action; no matter how small or big, it matters; each of us has a role to play; whether through scientific research, policymaking, education, or small everyday choices. By fostering awareness, embracing conservation-driven practices, and advocating for sustainable solutions, we can create a future where nature and humanity coexist in harmony. To those who have walked this journey with me, thank you. Your support fuels my commitment to whatever I have done so far, and I hope to continue making a meaningful impact in the years to come.” 

“The lessons I have learned and experienced so far, which I wish to pass on to my fellows, are: 

• Stay true to yourself. Bring your whole self to your work, whether it’s your background, values, or the unique perspectives that make you who you are. Your authenticity will not only make your journey more fulfilling but will also inspire those around you. 

• Surround yourself with a strong, supportive network. Seek out mentors, peers, and collaborators who uplift and challenge you with all goodwill. A good network helps you see both your strengths and areas for growth while opening doors to new opportunities. 

• Strive for excellence in everything you do, it need not be big all the time. Let curiosity guide you, pursue the questions that truly spark your interest. When challenges arise, struggles arise, insults mock you, your passion will keep you motivated and resilient. 

• It’s a small step, but I believe that every conversation, every lesson, and every small action, despite all the challenges and setbacks, contributes to something greater.” 

Image above: Treasured Moments as a collage: Inspiring the Little Minds Through Biodiversity 

We would like to share a huge thank you to Monolisha for her time sharing this story. You can find out more about Monolisha’s work on her LinkedIn page >>