Dr. Nico Fassbender

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Nico Fassbender studied at Bangor University, where he received his MSci degree in Marine Biology and Zoology in 2018. Following his graduation, he pursued his passion for coral reef science by working in the Seychelles, focusing on marine conservation and monitoring shallow coral reefs. Upon returning to the UK in 2019, he joined a deep-sea research institute, researching mesophotic reefs in the Western Indian Ocean. His work is particularly focused on understanding the role of sharks in coral reef ecosystems, and he has witnessed the decline of these charismatic predators first-hand. Nico’s doctoral thesis investigates the relationship between reef habitat complexity and the habitat use of reef sharks. By combining benthic habitat zonation and structural complexity metrics with prey availability surveys and acoustic tracking, he aims to assess how changes in reef structure influence the habitat choices of coral reef top predators. Nico’s research aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) related to education and environmental protection.

Research Interests

Experience

Project Leader

2024-04-01 — Present

Alphonse Foundation •

Keystone Project Leader

2022-09-01 — Present

Save Seas Foundation • Seychelles

Awards

#

Save Seas Foundation Keystone Special Grant

#

Alphonse Shark Project

#

Robson Robertson Award

#

Postgraduate Travel Award

2022-09-01

Requirements for University of Western Australia

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:2.8
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:22
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:82
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree in a relevant field Personal Statement Curriculum Vitae
Application Checklist
  • Academic Transcripts
  • English Language Proficiency Proof
  • Personal Statement
  • References
  • Proof of Identity
Specialization Notes

Requirements are standardized across the Graduate School for most Master by Coursework programs at UWA.