UG lecturer completes PhD on mangrove restoration

University of Guyana (UG) Senior Lecturer, Dr Mark Ram, has recently completed his PhD in Marine Ecology after undertaking a rigorous four-year academic journey pursuing a landmark research project which focused on understanding and improving mangrove restoration and coastal ecosystem recovery. Dr Ram, who is attached to the Department of Biology in the Faculty of Natural Sciences, began his doctoral studies in 2021 at James Cook University in Australia. Reflecting on the experience, he shared that the road to achieving his doctorate required resilience, discipline and faith in the value of the work he was undertaking. “The journey toward earning my doctorate was challenging, but it was also rewarding. Conducting long-term ecological research required extensive fieldwork in coastal mangrove ecosystems, careful data collection and rigorous analysis. Balancing research with teaching and other professional responsibilities also required strong commitment and time management,” Dr Ram explained.

As a lecturer at UG, Dr Ram was not only pursuing advanced research overseas but also continuing his professional responsibilities. The balancing act tested him, yet it also strengthened his resolve. “Despite the challenges, the process was incredibly fulfilling, especially knowing that the research contributes to improving our understanding of mangrove restoration and coastal ecosystem recovery,” he said.
Dr Ram’s decision to pursue a PhD was driven by his passion for Guyana’s coastal ecosystems and a desire to give back through science. “My inspiration to pursue a PhD came from an interest in coastal ecosystems and a desire to contribute meaningful scientific knowledge to conservation efforts in Guyana,” he shared. “Mangroves play a critical role in protecting coastlines, supporting fisheries and maintaining biodiversity, yet there has been limited long-term scientific evaluation of restoration efforts in the country. Achieving this milestone is very meaningful to me both personally and professionally,” Dr Ram added. Dr Ram believes this achievement will also strengthen UG’s academic standing and enrich the learning experience of his students. “This accomplishment contributes to strengthening the research capacity of the University and enhancing the quality of teaching by integrating locally relevant scientific research into the classroom. It also helps to position the University as a contributor to global discussions on ecosystem restoration and climate resilience,” the young scholar added. Dr Ram noted that his research findings can inform national coastal management strategies and serve as a model for evaluating mangrove restoration efforts both regionally and internationally. For his students, this means access to cutting-edge, locally grounded research that connects theory with real-world environmental challenges.
He was quick to acknowledge that the milestone was made possible through significant support. His research was funded by the Government of Guyana, the World-Wide Fund for Education for Nature Fellowship, and the Marine Conservation Action Fund of the New England Aquarium. He also credited the academic guidance of his supervisors and the institutional support of UG, along with logistical assistance from the Mangrove Department of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute. “I received tremendous support throughout my doctoral journey, from funding agencies to academic mentors, friends and colleagues at the University, it was truly a collective effort,” he shared.
Dr Ram’s research focused on evaluating the ecological outcomes of mangrove restoration in Guyana. Since 2010, the country has invested in restoring mangrove forests to protect coastlines, strengthen fisheries and enhance community livelihoods. However, long-term scientific monitoring of these efforts has been limited. Through extensive fieldwork along Guyana’s coastline, Dr Ram compared restored mangrove sites with natural mangrove ecosystems. He examined vegetative cover, macrobenthic assemblages, fish communities and sediment characteristics to determine whether restored areas were recovering ecological functions similar to natural systems. The research provides critical scientific evidence to guide future restoration initiatives and strengthen Guyana’s climate resilience and coastal protection strategies. The University, on Monday congratulated Dr Mark Ram on the successful completion of his PhD and commended his dedication to advancing research, teaching and environmental stewardship for the benefit of Guyana and beyond. (Feature by the Department of Events, Conferences and Communication (DECC), Office of the Vice-Chancellor, University of Guyana)