Yasmina Shah Esmaeili

Learn more about Yasmina Shah Esmaeili

Get To Know Yasmina Shah Esmaeili

What in your life drew you to your current field of study?

I have been fascinated by the ocean and marine life since I became a diver at age 12. Exploring the underwater world at such a young age sparked my passion for studying the incredible organisms that roam our waters and coasts. This early connection with the sea led me to a career in marine science, where I continue to be inspired by the complexity and beauty of coastal ecosystems.

What do you hope your students gain from studying or working with you?

I value seeing my students grow—not just in knowledge but also in confidence and curiosity. My goal is to pass on a passion for marine science while equipping them with the tools to think critically, apply scientific methods, and understand the vital connections between science and society. I also want to help them see the diverse career possibilities in marine science and conservation, ensuring they leave with both expertise and a sense of purpose.

What are you passionate about in your personal life?

Beyond my professional life, I love traveling and immersing myself in new places, cultures, and cuisines—always keeping an eye out for the local fauna. Birdwatching is one of my favorite pastimes, and I enjoy playing board games as a way to unwind and connect with others. I have also started baking sourdough bread which is very therapeutic. Some of my happiest moments are spent on beach walks with my husband and our dogs, appreciating the beauty of the coast.

Education

B.S. Biology, Ghent University, 2013
M.S. Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 2017
Ph.D. Ecology, State University of Campinas, 2023

Courses Taught

MARB 311 - Ichthyology
BIOL 112 - Introductory Biology 2 

Publications

• SHAH ESMAEILI, Y., N. Corte, G., Checon, H. H., G. Bilatto, C., Lefcheck, J. S., Zacagnini Amaral, A. C., & Turra, A. (2022). Revealing the drivers of taxonomic and functional diversity of nearshore fish assemblages: Implications for conservation priorities. Diversity and Distributions, 28(8), 1597-1609.
• SHAH ESMAEILI, Y., Corte, G. N., Checon, H. H., Gomes, T. R. C., Lefcheck, J. S., Amaral, A. C. Z., & Turra, A. (2021). Comprehensive assessment of shallow surf zone fish biodiversity requires a combination of sampling methods. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 667, 131-144.
• SHAH ESMAEILI, Y., Pagliani, B., de Carvalho, R. H., & Costa, L. L. (2023). Vertebrate Biodiversity. In Brazilian Sandy Beaches (pp. 127-158). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
• SHAH ESMAEILI, Y., Checon, H H., Corte, G. N., & Turra, A. (2021). Parasitism by isopods in sandy beach fish assemblages: role of urbanization and environmental characteristics. Hydrobiologia, 848(20), 4885-4901.
• SHAH ESMAEILI, Y.*, Turnbull, J. W.*, Clark, G. F., Figueira, W. F., Johnston, E. L., & Ferrari, R. (2018). Key drivers of effectiveness in small marine protected areas. Biodiversity and Conservation, 1-26. (* shared first authorship)
• Venâncio, D.C., Debiasi, P., Mancini, P.L., SHAH ESMAEILI, Y. Spatiotemporal variation of seabird strandings on the southeastern and southern coast of Brazil. (under review: Marine Environmental Research, PDF available upon request)   
• da Costa, L. N., Nascimento, T. P. X., SHAH ESMAEILI, Y., & Mancini, P. L. (2022). Comparing photography and collection methods to sample litter in seabird nests in a coastal archipelago in the Southwest Atlantic. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 175, 113357.
• Corte, G. N., SHAH ESMAEILI, Y., Maria, T. F., Costa, L., Mattos, G., Checon, H. H., ... & Barboza, C. A. D. M. (2023). The science we need for the beaches we want: frontiers of the flourishing Brazilian ecological sandy beach research. Frontiers in Marine Science, 10, 1200979.
• Checon, H. H., Corte, G. N., SHAH ESMAEILI, Y., & Amaral, A. C. Z. (2018). Nestedness patterns and the role of morphodynamics and spatial distance on sandy beach fauna: ecological hypotheses and conservation strategies. Scientific reports, 8(1), 3759.
• Corte, G. N., Checon, H. H., SHAH ESMAEILI, Y., Defeo, O., & Turra, A. (2022). Evaluation of the effects of urbanization and environmental features on sandy beach macrobenthos highlights the importance of submerged zones. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 182, 113962.

Professional Appointments

• Head of Communications Task Group for International Association of Biological Oceanography (IABO)
• Member of the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON Pole to Pole)