National Geographic Explorer, Marine biologist

Dr Melissa Boonzaaier-Davids is a National Geographic Explorer, South African marine biologist, specialist taxonomist, and science communicator whose work focuses on the taxonomy, ecology, and conservation of marine invertebrates. With nearly two decades of experience studying South Africa’s marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems, she has developed particular expertise in marine invertebrate collections, especially bryozoans (moss animals) and abalone.

She holds a BSc in Biodiversity and Ecology and a BSc Honours in Zoology from Stellenbosch University (2008), followed by an MSc in Zoology from Nelson Mandela University (2011). In 2017, she completed a PhD in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology at the University of the Western Cape, where her research explored the diversity and zoogeography of South African bryozoans. This work established her as a specialist in the study of microscopic marine invertebrates and laid the foundation for her ongoing contributions to marine biodiversity research.

Dr Boonzaaier-Davids has more than a decade of curatorial and research experience at Iziko Museums of South Africa, where she also serves as an Honorary Research Associate. Her work contributes to marine biodiversity monitoring, species identification, and the development of ecological baselines that support the sustainable management and conservation of South Africa’s coastal and marine resources. In 2022, she was selected as a National Geographic Explorer in recognition of her research on marine invertebrate diversity and her efforts to expand public understanding of ocean ecosystems.Her contributions have been recognised through several prestigious awards and fellowships. In 2022, she received the Protea International Curatorial Exchange, funded by the John Ellerman Foundation, as well as the International Bryozoological Association (IBA) Award and the Ernst Mayr Small Grants Award. In 2023, she was awarded the Global Senckenberg Fellowship in Germany.

Melissa serves on several national and international scientific and conservation boards, including the Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve (CWBR), the International Bryozoological Association (IBA), and the Zoological Society of Southern Africa (ZSSA). In 2025, she was elected Vice-President of the ZSSA and received the Potentia Award in recognition of her contributions to marine science and science communication.

She is also the lead organiser of the HerStory in Science Workshop at the Iziko South African Museum, a role she has held since 2025, promoting the visibility and inclusion of women in science. Most recently, she was selected to participate in the Explorer Spotlight at the inaugural National Geographic Festival in South Africa.

Dr Boonzaaier-Davids currently works as a fisheries scientist and is the co-founder of Mella Environmental Consulting, where she applies her expertise to biodiversity and heritage research, environmental assessment, and science communication initiatives.