Ee Zin Ong graduated with a Joint European Master in Environmental Studies (the University of Aveiro, the Autonomous University of Barcelona) and obtained a Joint PhD in Marine Science (Ghent University and the University of Plymouth). He is involved in projects investigating the potential effects of man-made structures in the marine environment, such as offshore floating solar panels and wind turbines, on natural biodiversity. Specifically, to understand the impact of hard substrate colonizing fauna on local carbon cycling and whether artificial hard substrates can be optimized using nature-inclusive designs for restoration and conservation purposes.