Jacey Ballard

Biography:

Originally from Michigan, my Great lakes roots led to my love for the marine world. Eager to pursue ocean-based sciences, I attended Coastal Carolina University for a marine science degree. In 2021, I did a coral reef research internship at the Roatan Institute for marine sciences, focusing on Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) research and treatment. This is where I discovered my passion for conservation, restoration, and scuba diving. After completing my honors thesis in marine biogeochemistry, I was determined to get into coral research. I moved to the Florida Keys, and worked as a divemaster before starting as a coral biologist at Mote. Now, I assist with the husbandry, propagation, out planting, and monitoring of ex-situ and in-situ grown corals.