K. M. S. Malmee Gangathilaka – PhD Student, Edith Cowan University I am a PhD student at Edith Cowan University, specializing in marine microbiology. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Biology with a specialization in Microbiology from Rajarata University of Sri Lanka and a Master’s degree in Sustainability and Environmental Modelling from the University of Dundee, Scotland. My PhD research, which I began in November 2023, focuses on "Environmental drivers influencing the productivity and ecosystem function of cyanobacterial mats in intertidal coastal ecosystems." This study explores the ecological roles, significance, and activities of cyanobacterial mats while examining how external factors impact their productivity and function. The findings will provide valuable insights for sustainable coastal development and the conservation of coastal ecosystems.