Valeriya’s research explores pathways for the positive coexistence of humans and nature. She works at the intersection of marine ecology, engineering, and policy to drive sustainable ocean solutions.

Eco-engineering
With over 20 years of experience in fish–habitat association research, Valeriya applies ecological insights to inform the eco-engineering of artificial structures—an increasingly vital endeavour in the face of accelerating environmental pressures on marine ecosystems.
She prioritises cross-sector and interdisciplinary collaboration, working with engineers, ecologists, managers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to optimise artificial habitat design that supports native biodiversity. She has pioneered solutions in artificial habitat design that help minimise ecological trap formation and enhance biodiversity outcomes.
Her work also extends to offshore developments, where she investigates how artificial structures can deliver positive ecological results. She co-led a Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre (BECRC) study on floating artificial reefs for recreational, commercial, and conservation purposes.

Policy impact
Translating research into policy and tangible environmental action is a central pillar of Valeriya’s work. She co-developed a risk-assessment-based decision-support tool for artificial infrastructure, bridging scientific evidence with real-world policy application.

Marine habitat restoration
Valeriya is also strongly engaged in advancing natural habitat restoration. As part of a collaborative team, she is evaluating current restoration success metrics with the aim of developing new, cost-effective, and easy-to-use indicators that better reflect habitat functionality and support healthy, self-sustaining populations.

Marine pollution
In the field of marine pollution, Valeriya’s research focuses on the ecological impacts of emerging contaminants such as artificial light, underwater noise, and microplastics. Her work on microplastic contamination contributed to the State of the Environment report, the Treatise on Estuarine and Coastal Science, and fostered collaborations with the Australian Maritime College, the University of Tasmania, and the University of Mumbai (2022–2023).

Environmental education
Valeriya is a multi-award-winning educational leader—recognised at local, national, and international levels—for her contributions to science education and engagement. She has received over a dozen teaching award nominations, including a nomination from UTAS for a national citation. She has received four teaching awards, including a UTAS Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning (2021) and the College of Science and Engineering Student Focus Award (2022).