Meet the Team

Having always felt a connection to the ocean, every decision Alison has made has allowed her to be close to the water. After receiving her undergraduate degree in California, she participated in several field-based research internships studying sea turtles in Costa Rica, humpback whales in Hawaii, and manatees in Belize. Yearning for more knowledge and focus, she completed a Masters degree in Australia, conducting an independent project exploring how values and knowledge of indigenous culture are incorporated into protected area management plans. She subsequently took a position as head technician for a multi-institution, international project exploring fish populations dynamics in Lake Erie.

Though she has dabbled in field and laboratory based research, policy and management, and teaching and outreach throughout her career, Alison has returned to what she believes to be the foundation of effective marine conservation – education. As Manager of Community Programs, she is currently responsible for the Community Engagement Program, delivering engaging marine science-based lessons to underserved and underrepresented audiences, and presenting Mote’s research through interactive booth displays at various events throughout Florida. Alison loves working within Mote’s diverse community outreach program to highlight Mote's research and share Mote's mission in order to inspire environmental stewardship and a general love of the fascinating world under the sea.