Dr. Jon Lapeyra Martin is an interdisciplinary marine scientist whose work bridges molecular ecology, underwater technology, and immersive field research. As Assistant Professor of Marine Science at the University of Khor Fakkan (UAE), he develops integrated biodiversity monitoring systems combining eDNA metabarcoding, machine learning-driven image analysis, ROV-based habitat mapping, and advanced diving-supported ecological surveys.
His research spans plankton trophodynamics, coral reef resilience, mesophotic ecosystem exploration, and marine megafauna photo-identification. Through high-resolution visual documentation and quantitative molecular approaches, he aims to establish scalable ecological baselines for rapidly changing marine systems.
Beyond research, he is committed to fostering a strong marine science culture for the next generation of ocean advocates. By training students through direct in-water observation—freediving, scuba-based surveys, and technical diving expeditions—he promotes experiential learning grounded in scientific rigor and visual storytelling.
Dr. Jon Lapeyra Martin is an interdisciplinary marine scientist and Assistant Professor of Marine Science at the University of Khor Fakkan (UAE). His research integrates planktonic and fish trophic ecology, environmental DNA / RNA and underwater imagery technologies to develop next-generation biodiversity monitoring systems for rapidly changing marine environments.
Beyond research, he is deeply committed to cultivating a strong marine science culture for the next generation of ocean advocates and marine biologists. Through immersive, in-water approaches—including freediving, scuba, and technical diving—he promotes direct ecological observation and experiential learning. By systematically documenting marine biodiversity through high-quality photography and videography, he bridges research, education, and public engagement to foster long-term ocean stewardship.
He is particularly interested in the application of underwater imagery, machine learning (ML), environmental DNA (eDNA), ROV-based habitat mapping, and deep reef exploration to generate high-resolution ecological baselines and scalable monitoring frameworks.
A passionate technical diver and certified ReVo closed-circuit rebreather (CCR) diver, Jon is actively working toward leading scientific expeditions in mesophotic ecosystems (30–150 m depth) to expand ecological research into deeper, understudied reef systems.
Awarded prestigious international fellowships including the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (Horizon 2020) and an EMBO Fellowship, he has conducted research across Europe, the Red Sea, the Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia, bridging molecular science, field ecology, applied conservation, and visual ecological documentation.
“The ocean is not just a research system—it is a living, breathing laboratory that demands both precision and presence. I believe that to truly understand marine ecosystems, we must observe them directly, descend into them, document them, and translate what we see into knowledge that empowers the next generation. What inspires me most is the moment when data, technology, and human curiosity converge underwater—where science becomes exploration, and exploration becomes responsibility.”