Senior Project Director

• Mar 2022 - Present

Develops programs and innovative ways to leverage the U.S.’s market power to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, seafood mislabeling, and forced labor abuses. Works across direct supply chain engagement, strategic collaborations, and governance reform to transform global seafood supply chains for both the oceans and the people who depend on them.

Project Director

• Jul 2019 - Present

Senior Project Manager

• Aug 2018 - Jul 2019

Project Manager

• Jan 2016 - Jul 2018

Shark Research and Data Management Associate

• Jan 2015 - Dec 2017

Overhauled and maintain multi-year regional databases for shark critical habitats, distribution, population, risk assessments, blood, tissue, and isotope analysis, as well as morphology measurements. Data is stored and maintained for grant applications, journal articles, data analysis, federal permitting, and graduate research projects.Handle researching and writing web and Annual Report content, focusing on promoting sustainable shark and fisheries management as well as species conservation.Research and summarize various marine policy, data, literature, journals, and reports for literature reviews to result in future graduate and professional publications as well as outreach.Previously involved with shark research through field sampling and tagging using conventional and satellite tagging methods. Additionally, facilitated conservation outreach and education to groups in the field including students, citizen scientists, other researchers, film crews, and the public. Show less

Shark Research and Data Management Intern

• Oct 2013 - Jan 2015

Manage database for shark sampling surveys (including distribution and population, blood and morphology, and citizen scientist data) across multiple years, as part of ongoing studies of stress physiology of sharks, ecosystem impacts of overfishing, migration routes, shark risk assessments, and quantifying effectiveness of the conservation program. Participated in field research tagging sharks in South Florida for data collection (fin clip, muscle biopsy, nictitating membrane test, conventional and satellite tagging, and body morphology measurements, and blood samples)Monthly activities also include blog writing, scientific communication, fish identification, database queries, and general elasmobranch outreach and education Show less

Ocean Policy Fellow

• Jun 2014 - Dec 2014

Conducted and analyzed research on US marine policy (ESA, MMPA, MSA, etc.) with focus on illegal fishing, fisheries management, marine protected areas, and endangered species. Designed and implemented fisheries management and conservation campaign to halt illegal fishing and safeguard marine protected areas and essential fish and mammal habitats, as well as highlight international and national repercussions of destructive illegal fishing practices. Synthesized and packaged high quality scientific data for federal decision makers and agencies, Presidential Taskforce Committees, Congressional offices, scientists, NGOs, and the public. Initiated and maintained relationships with environmental organizations, federal agencies, governmental offices, across diverse communities and audiences. Research and develop educational materials, editorial responses, blog posts, social media outreach, and support letters for pertinent marine policy and conservation campaigns. Show less

Biological Scientist - Harmful Algal Blooms

• Jan 2012 - Aug 2013

Executed harmful algal bloom field sampling and lab analysis of inshore and offshore Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay waters. Self-started and implemented time series pilot study monitoring algal blooms and appropriate responses, and provided monthly updates to team members of progress of field surveys and results of pilot study findings using R (statistical software). Responsible for updating and maintaining databases for multiple analytes across multiple field sample stations as well as QA/QC'ing databases when data queries were requested for grants, quarterly reports, or outreach materials. Improved department's outreach by crafting and delivering science education for special events across the department as well as for local school groups and colleges. Show less

Teaching Assistant

• Sep 2008 - May 2010

Taught students scientific methods and research including fish and marine animal identification, lectures and field activities, as well as lab analysis. Themes focused on marine botany and general oceanographic and marine biology topics as well as local and global environmental issues.Mentored and advised students in field data collection, quantitative analysis, writing, oral presentations, and class curriculum.Liaised between professor and students to develop, grade, and deliver lesson plans, reports, lab practicals, and assignments as well as discreetly handle student concerns. Show less

Principle Investigator

• Jan 2009 - Jan 2009

Developed and executed independent research project exploring relationships between research, domestic and international policy and links to global marine conservationAssimilated data and content via personal communications and interviews, questionnaires, and extensive literature reviews and background research

Research Student

• Mar 2010 - Mar 2010

Engaged in shark ecology, physiology, behavior and conservation at world-renowned shark research lab. Participated in intensive shark field research including shark identification, tagging, and data collection and recording for graduate level research. Engaged in shark ecology, physiology, behavior and conservation at world-renowned shark research lab. Participated in intensive shark field research including shark identification, tagging, and data collection and recording for graduate level research.

Husbandry Intern

• Sep 2009 - Dec 2009

Supported animal husbandry team and lead water quality monitoring of aquarium’s public and quarantine holding tanks. Responsible for chemical water analysis of exhibits and communication with rest of husbandry team if water changes or solutions such as buffers were needed for specific exhibits. Observed and recorded coral and fish health through visual assessments, direct water sampling and processing using in-house lab. Engaged with and educated public regarding complex issues about marine species and ecosystem conservation furthering aquarium outreach initiatives. Show less