Carissa's general area of research is applied spatial conservation planning. Currently her research is focused on supporting conservation decisions in the Coral Triangle, the world's epicentre of coral reef biological diversity. Carissa co-supervises students with Prof Hugh Possingham and Dr Maria Beger, and collaborates with several CEED researchers.

Carissa is interested in integrated land-sea planning, marine zoning, and fisheries management. She is working in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, Wildlife Conservation Society, and Conservation International to ensure her research helps to achieve positive conservation outcomes.

Carissa obtained her PhD from The University of Queensland in 2010.