Dr Ava Maxam joined the Mona Geoinformatics Institute (MGI) in November 2006 shortly before completing PhD studies in Oceanography at the University of the West Indies, where she also obtained a Bachelor’s degree (Hons) in Zoology and Botany. She is currently Deputy Director of MGI, where she manages the Natural Hazards & Environment Division, the Human & Social Division, and the Software Development Division. As lecturer at the University of the West Indies, she delivers Geographic Information Systems (GIS) courses to graduates, undergraduates and professionals. Dr Maxam’s range of professional experience has spanned from coastal processes modelling and spatial analysis, to developing spatial solutions for clients across private and government sectors. She has led consultancies in GIS application, coastal hydrodynamic modelling, as well as oceanographic, environmental, ecological and bio-physical assessments. She has been instrumental in the development of award-winning GIS applications ranging from Jamaica's first navigation system to the Integrated Crime and Violence Information System in use by the Government of Jamaica for networking and analysing crime data. She has also collaborated across the Caribbean on projects ranging from reef valuation, shoreline and land cover change studies, to designing databases, applications and map tools for Coastal Zone Management. Her academic research has led to publications on the effect of ocean circulation on Jamaica’s coral reefs and coastlines - highlighting the importance of coral reefs in ecological nurseries, creating unique circulation systems, and trapping particles. She resides on several Technical Committees related to the environment, education and business development.