Dr. Emily Darling is a distinguished coral reef ecologist and leads WCS’s global coral reef conservation program. Her research in coral reef ecology, conservation, and climate change has earned international recognition and research awards. As the Director of Coral Reef Conservation at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Emily coordinates coral reef science, conservation, and policy with WCS programs and partners worldwide. Passionate about supporting coral reef monitoring scientists and data science, she co-founded MERMAID – a ground-breaking coral reef monitoring platform endorsed by the United Nations. She is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto and has published >75 scientific publications. With 15+ years of experience, Emily’s dedication to coral reef conservation extends beyond research; she spearheads strategic partnerships, fundraising, and impact initiatives for WCS’s global coral reef portfolio in 12 countries and is a skilled scientific diver and underwater photographer who is passionate about inspiring hope and action for climate resilient coral reefs. Between 2019 and 2022, she led the Coastal Outcomes SNAPP working group and is thrilled to bring this experience to the SNAPP Science Advisory Committee.