Rate My Professor Ada Natoli

Dr. Ada Natoli is an Assistant Professor in the College of Natural and Health Sciences at Zayed University. She holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Ecology from the School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Durham, UK. Dr. Natoli is a molecular ecologist specializing in the conservation genetics of marine mammals. She uses molecular markers to study population structure and evolutionary mechanisms to support species conservation efforts. With a diverse background that includes plant genetics, chemistry, microbiology, and ecology, her work focuses on cetaceans in the Gulf and Northern Indian Ocean regions. She collaborates with local authorities and international research groups on projects involving monitoring surveys, stranding analysis, diet studies, genetic analysis, and citizen science initiatives to inform conservation measures.

Her research activities encompass whale and dolphin research in the UAE through the UAE Dolphin Project, which she founded and directs, as well as conservation genetics of hawksbill turtles. Dr. Natoli serves as an IUCN cetacean specialist, a member of the International Whaling Commission, and a member of the Arabian Seas Whale Network. She teaches courses in biology, population genetics, ecology, and marine mammals.