Alexandra, a Lake Worth local, earned her bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Florida State University in 2016. Her passion for the ocean started early, spending countless hours at the beach and on the water. As an undergrad, she researched deep sea sharks and later worked on seal rescues, wildlife rehab, and manatee response.
Her 3 years as a manatee biologist for Florida Fish and Wildlife deepened her love for marine mammal conservation, and in 2023, she completed a graduate certificate in Aquatic Animal Care and Conservation through the University of Florida.
This summer, she’ll be aboard the Stenella, continuing her journey in marine research. We’re excited to have her on the team!
A Lifelong Love for Marine Mammals
Alexandra knew she wanted to be a marine biologist from the moment she saw a manatee off a dock in Sebastian, Florida. “I nicknamed him Charlie, and every time I went back to the dock, I would call every manatee I saw ‘Charlie,’” she recalls. That early encounter sparked a lifelong curiosity and deep passion for marine mammals, which has guided her career path ever since.
A Memorable Rescue Mission
One of Alexandra’s favorite memories comes from last year when she was involved in the rescue of a buoyant juvenile green sea turtle near Hobe Sound. After a sea turtle biologist saw a post on Facebook about the turtle in distress, Alexandra and her team launched a search mission in hopes of finding it. As the designated boat operator, she was responsible for navigating through narrow channels to allow her colleagues to hoop net the turtle and bring it aboard. Thanks to her close-quarter maneuvering skills and teamwork, the rescue was a success, and the turtle was safely transported to a rehabilitation facility.
“I was still working on my vessel operating skills at the time, so I was really proud of my role in the rescue,” Alexandra said. “It felt great to help that turtle.”
A Background in Manatee Conservation
Before joining us, Alexandra worked as a manatee biologist for Florida Fish and Wildlife, where her days were as unpredictable as they were rewarding. “My day-to-day could range from rescuing a manatee to photo ID surveys, or even recovering carcasses and performing necropsies,” she explains. The role required her to spend significant time on the water and on the road, covering seven counties across Florida, kayaking, boating, and ensuring the health and safety of manatees in the region.
Advice for Aspiring Marine Biologists
Alexandra’s journey to marine biology was not without challenges, and she has some valuable advice for anyone looking to break into the field: “Get involved in any way you can,” she advises. “Volunteer at your local aquarium or animal shelter, ask your professors about research projects, and be open to opportunities—even if they’re not exactly what you want to do.”
She also reminds aspiring marine biologists to focus on what’s in their control—gaining experience, networking, and taking advantage of opportunities that come their way. “It may take time to ‘break’ into the field, but perseverance and passion will pay off.”
If She Were a Marine Mammal…
If Alexandra could be any marine mammal, she’d choose to be a beluga whale. “Belugas are known for their gentleness, intelligence, and loyalty,” she says.
Other Interests
When she’s not out on the water or in the field, Alexandra enjoys paddleboarding, crafting, diving, and traveling. Her love for the ocean and exploration extends beyond her work, making her a well-rounded addition to our team.
Joining Our Team at WDP
Alexandra’s excitement to be part of our team is palpable. She is particularly eager to learn more about spotted dolphin behavior and communication, an area she’s passionate about, and to contribute to the ongoing research at WDP. “I’m looking forward to diving into the research and making a real impact,” she said.