FROM TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO TO THE PACIFIC
Kendal Romany's Journey of Science, Discovery and Impact

Kendal Romany is an environmental scientist and marine science educator from Trinidad and Tobago whose career combines education, research, conservation, and community engagement across the Pacific.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management and a Master of Science in Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy focused on comparing artificial and natural rockpool ecosystems.

MAKING AN IMPACT IN THE MARSHALL ISLANDS

Kendal serves as a Marine Science Educator and Programme Coordinator at the College of the Marshall Islands, located in the central Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and Australia.

His work, however, extends beyond the classroom as he teaches and mentors students, coordinates externally funded education and research initiatives, supervises student-led environmental projects, and collaborates with local and international partners.

He also guides students through field investigations across Majuro Atoll, where they explore coral reef health, coastal ecosystems, marine pollution, climate resilience, and other environmental issues affecting Pacific Island communities.

LEARNING AND COLLABORATING ACROSS THE PACIFIC

Kendal's career has taken him throughout the Pacific for professional development, scientific collaboration, and research dissemination. In Palau, he received specialised training in marine robotics and emerging technologies. He has also travelled to Guam and Hawaii to present research and participate in scientific and educational programmes.

These experiences have strengthened his technical expertise and helped him build valuable relationships with researchers and institutions across the region.

FROM RESEARCH TO CONSERVATION

Kendal collaborates with scientists on coral-restoration initiatives and marine-debris projects that support the conservation of Pacific marine ecosystems.

He has also worked with the World Bank, leading an Environmental Impact Assessment and conducting a Coastal Avian Survey for a freshwater reservoir habitat near the airport on Majuro Atoll. These projects combined ecological field assessments with environmental planning to support sustainable development while protecting sensitive habitats.

EXPLORING COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS

Kendal's doctoral research examines how artificial rockpools compare with adjacent natural rockpool ecosystems in supporting biodiversity, ecological functioning, and resilience.

Through this work, he hopes to strengthen scientific understanding of artificial and natural intertidal habitats and contribute valuable knowledge to the field of coastal ecology.

A JOURNEY SHAPED BY MARINE SCIENCE

Marine science has opened doors for Kendal to work with scientists, educators, government agencies, international organisations, and local communities across the Pacific.

Whether he is mentoring students, presenting research, restoring coral reefs, or assessing environmental impacts, his experiences continue to reinforce the importance of combining scientific research with practical conservation and community engagement.

KENDAL'S ADVICE TO FUTURE MARINE SCIENTISTS

“Take every opportunity that comes your way. Some of the most valuable experiences in my career have come from saying ‘yes' to fieldwork, research collaborations, conferences, training, and international partnerships. The classroom provides the foundation, but it is often the experiences beyond it that shape your career.

“Be willing to learn from different disciplines, build meaningful professional relationships, and remain curious. Most importantly, remember that your work can have an impact far beyond where you begin. Your contributions can help protect marine ecosystems and inspire future generations of environmental leaders.”

Click here to view the programmes