Mrs. Noreen WEJIEME | Marine ecology | Young Scientist Award

phd student, University of New Caledonia

Noreen Wejieme is a dedicated PhD candidate in Population Biology and Ecology at the University of New Caledonia (UNC), focusing on spatio-temporal variations in energy, nutritional values, and contaminants in Pacific coral reef fish. With a passion for marine biodiversity, Noreen has contributed significantly to coral reef conservation efforts and has presented her research at multiple international conferences. She is also involved in various public outreach initiatives to raise awareness about marine ecosystems and environmental protection.

Profile

Scholar

🎓 Education

Noreen holds a Master’s Degree in Oceanography from the University of Liège (ULiège), where she specialized in black coral ecology. She also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Life and Earth Sciences from the University of New Caledonia (UNC). Currently, she is pursuing a PhD at UNC, with funding from the ANR TONIC doctoral contract. Her academic journey has been shaped by fieldwork in tropical marine environments, contributing to various research projects focused on coral ecosystems and marine pollution.

💼 Experience

Noreen has worked in diverse research settings, from oceanography to marine ecology. She has conducted field internships in Madagascar, France, and New Caledonia, focusing on coastal ecosystems and coral reef biodiversity. Her professional experience includes leading workshops on coral reef conservation and participating in science communication activities. Noreen has also taught ecology at the University of New Caledonia, helping to shape future marine scientists. Her published works reflect her ongoing commitment to advancing marine science and protecting marine ecosystems.

🏅 Awards & Honors

Noreen has received several accolades for her contributions to marine research, including the Best Oral Presentation Award at the University of New Caledonia’s Doctoral Days (2023). She has presented her findings at prestigious international conferences like the 11th Indo-Pacific Fish Conference and the Pacific Islands Universities Network Conference. Her research on contaminants in Pacific coral reef fish has led to publication in high-impact journals, reflecting her growing recognition in the field of marine ecology.

🔬 Research Focus

Noreen’s research is centered on the spatio-temporal dynamics of energy, nutritional values, and contaminants in Pacific coral reef fish. By combining ecological and chemical analyses, she aims to better understand how environmental factors influence marine biodiversity and the health of coral reef ecosystems. Her work seeks to contribute to global efforts in marine conservation by identifying the impacts of pollutants on fish populations and developing strategies for sustainable reef management.

🎯Conclusion

Noreen Wejieme is an outstanding early-career scientist with significant potential in the fields of marine biology and ecology. Her impressive publication record, coupled with active engagement in both research and science outreach, positions her as a valuable asset to the scientific community. The Young Scientist Award would not only acknowledge her exceptional contributions but also encourage her continued growth and influence in oceanography and environmental science.

publication

Author(s): N. Wejieme, L. Vigliola, V. Parravicini, J. Sellanes, E. Wafo, P. Bustamante, Y. Letourneur
Title: Widespread presence of metallic compounds and organic contaminants across Pacific coral reef fish
Year: 2025
Citation: Wejieme, N., Vigliola, L., Parravicini, V., Sellanes, J., Wafo, E., Bustamante, P., & Letourneur, Y. (2025). Widespread presence of metallic compounds and organic contaminants across Pacific coral reef fish. Science of The Total Environment, 958, 177914. 

Author(s): N. Wejieme, L. Vigliola, V. Parravicini, A. Nicolay, E. Wafo, P. Bustamante, Y. Letourneur
Title: Assessment of spatial distribution of organic contaminants and metallic compounds on a tropical island’s coral reef fish communities
Year: 2025
Citation: Wejieme, N., Vigliola, L., Parravicini, V., Nicolay, A., Wafo, E., Bustamante, P., & Letourneur, Y. (2025). Assessment of spatial distribution of organic contaminants and metallic compounds on a tropical island’s coral reef fish communities. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 217, 118031. 

Author(s): N. Wejieme, L. Vigliola, V. Parravicini, P. Bustamante, J. Sellanes, E. Wafo, Y. Letourneur
Title: Pacific-wide distribution of reef fish contamination
Year: 2023
Citation: Wejieme, N., Vigliola, L., Parravicini, V., Bustamante, P., Sellanes, J., Wafo, E., & Letourneur, Y. (2023). Pacific-wide distribution of reef fish contamination. 11th Indo-Pacific Fish Conference, Auckland, New Zealand, November 20-24, 2023 (oral presentation).

Author(s): N. Wejieme, L. Vigliola, V. Parravicini, P. Bustamante, E. Wafo, Y. Letourneur
Title: The extent of reef fish contamination in New Caledonia
Year: 2023
Citation: Wejieme, N., Vigliola, L., Parravicini, V., Bustamante, P., Wafo, E., & Letourneur, Y. (2023). The extent of reef fish contamination in New Caledonia. 5th Pacific Islands Universities Research Network Conference, Rarotonga, Cook Islands, July 4-6, 2023 (oral presentation).

Author(s): N. Wejieme
Title: Caractérisation fonctionnelle des coraux noirs (Hexacorallia: Antipatharia) du sud-ouest de Madagascar
Year: 2019
Citation: Wejieme, N. (2019). Caractérisation fonctionnelle des coraux noirs (Hexacorallia: Antipatharia) du sud-ouest de Madagascar. Université de Liège, Liège, Belgique.