Dr. Penjai Sompongchaiyakul is an Associate Professor in the Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University. She holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Marine Science and Oceanography from Chulalongkorn University, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering (Marine Chemistry) from the University of New South Wales, Australia. With over three decades of experience in marine science, environmental chemistry, and coastal ecosystem research, Dr. Penjai has served as Director of the SEA START Regional Center (2015–2022) and has held academic leadership positions at both Chulalongkorn University and Prince of Songkla University. Her research focuses on marine pollution, biogeochemical processes, heavy metals, microplastics, and water and sediment quality. She has authored more than 80 international conference papers, over 70 peer-reviewed journal articles, and numerous technical reports and book chapters. She has led and contributed to a wide range of national and international projects, including collaborations with PTTEP, DMCR, RID, MTJA, SEAFDEC, and research institutions in China, Taiwan, Singapore, and Australia. Dr. Penjai also serves on multiple national committees related to marine environmental management, pollution monitoring, petroleum decommissioning, and coastal resource conservation. Her work continues to support evidence-based policy, environmental assessments, and sustainable marine resource management in Thailand and the region.