MOTE MARINE LABORATORY & AQUARIUM - Key Persons


Aaron Barleycorn

Job Titles:
  • Field Coordinator
Aaron Barleycorn is employed by the Chicago Zoological Society, and based at Mote Marine Laboratory as part of a partnership to engage in dolphin research, education, and conservation action. Education B.A. in Marine Science, Eckerd College

Adam Dolman

Job Titles:
  • Director of Animal Operations
Adam is originally from Washington State and grew up along the Puget Sound. As the Director of Animal Operation, Adam oversees all aspects of the daily animal related operations within the Aquarium. Adam began his career at the Downtown Aquarium - Denver in 2006 as an Aquarium Biologist. He joined Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in 2008 as an Offsite Aquarium Biologist and was eventually promoted to Offsite Exhibits Supervisor. Adam was later promoted to Senior Aquarium Biologist, Curator of Fish and Invertebrates, and then to his current position as Director of Animal Operations. Education B.A. in Marine Science, University of Hawaii at Hilo - 2005

Alan Rose

Job Titles:
  • Trustee
  • Trustee / Aquarium Committee Chair

Alex Beavers

Job Titles:
  • Chief Innovation Officer
Dr. Beavers previously led the commercialization of advanced electronics, automation systems, advanced materials, medical devices and clean technologies for SRI (Stanford Research Institute). He was also CEO and Chairman of the Board of Averatek Corporation, an SRI spin-out venture that serves the printed circuit industry with fine-line, three-dimensional metallization products and services. Prior to SRI, Dr. Beavers was founding CEO of Artificial Muscle, Inc., which licensed SRI electro-active polymer technology and was acquired by Bayer AG. Before that, he was CEO of Thomson Industries, a global linear motion systems company based in New York that was eventually acquired by Danaher Corporation. His prior positions included CEO of ITP Systems, a factory floor systems integration company, CEO of Applicon, Inc., one of the original computer aided design systems companies, CEO of Schlumberger Automation Systems Asia, General Manager of General Electric Vision Systems Business, and Managing Partner of Supply Chain Management Consulting at PwC. Education B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Vanderbilt University M.S. in Electrical Engineering, University of Houston Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, University of Houston M.B.A. in Financial Management, Boston University

Alexis (Balinski) Crabtree

Job Titles:
  • Graphic Designer
  • Manager of Visual Engagement
Alexis (Balinski) Crabtree joined the Mote family as a graphic designer in May 2014. In 2019, she was promoted to Manager of Visual Engagement. In addition to handling the execution of the organization's in-house creative assets, Alexis is also responsible for managing the presentation of Mote's visual brand to a number of different audiences. Education B.A. in Journalism & Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with a minor in Marine Science.

Alexis Ferrera

Job Titles:
  • Staff Biologist

Alison Goldy

Job Titles:
  • Community Engagement Coordinator
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. She is currently responsible for coordinating the Community Engagement Program, delivering engaging marine science-based lessons to schools and afterschool programs, 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. Education B.S. Aquatic Biology (UCSB, 2002) Masters in Environmental Management/Conservation Biology (University of Queensland, Australia, 2006)

Allison Delashmit

Job Titles:
  • Director of Regional Operations, Florida Keys
Allison joined the team in early 2018 and works out of the Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration (IC2R3) in Summerland Key. She serves as the liaison for communications, media and public relations activities in the Keys, while fostering community partnerships and local events/programs. Allison is the primary contact for community outreach efforts and/or IC2R3 specific media requests. Education B.S. in Communication, University of Tennessee

Aly Busse

Job Titles:
  • Associate Vice President for Education
Aly Busse joined Mote Marine Laboratory in April 2011. She comes from a diverse background in informal science education, including aquariums, museums and community outreach programs. Before joining Mote Marine Laboratory, Aly was Education Director at UnderWater World, Guam and Youth and Family Programs Coordinator at the Pacific Science Center. She also held dual roles at Rutgers University. She was the Senior Program Coordinator for a mobile science outreach program connecting STEM graduate students with middle schools around New Jersey through interactive science programs and served as Associate Director of the Rutgers Geology Museum, developing and implementing new school and public programs. In her past and current position, she works to bring scientists and their research to the public, translating current scientific findings into meaningful, interactive opportunities for a variety of audiences. Education B.S. in Marine Biology from University of North Carolina at Wilmington in 2000 M.S. in Secondary Education with a science concentration from Old Dominion University in 2006. PhD Candidate in Education Research and Measurement with a concentration in Evaluation, University of South Florida, expected graduation 2021.

Amanda (Hodo) Felix

Amanda Felix was born and raised on the south side of Chicago. She attended Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA and graduated with a B.A. in Biology. She began her career in aquarium husbandry with internships at Mote Aquarium and the Shedd Aquarium. Amanda is an Aquarium Biologist III, and has worked at Mote since December 2014. She managed Mote's Seahorse Conservation Laboratory for over 2 years, breeding local species and sharing those offspring with other zoos and aquariums. Some of her favorite duties are breeding fish and scuba diving in the shark exhibit. Education B.A. in Biology from Grinnell College

Amanda Foltz

Job Titles:
  • Curator of Mammals and Reptiles
Amanda has been working in the field of animal behavior and training for nearly 10 years working with a variety of exotic and marine animals, and also working for the Navy Marine Mammal Program with Bottlenose dolphins and California sealions. Starting out as an intern at Mote in 2009 with our resident manatees, she's since worked in all of the various animal care programs to include resident sea turtles and sea turtle hospital, but primarily with the past resident dolphins. Her most recent career highlight was being given the opportunity to help develop and design the otter exhibit, and establish and evolve the otter husbandry and training program. Education University of Texas at El Paso- B.S Biology, minor: Chemistry Moorpark College- A.A. Exotic Animal Training and Management

Amber Bankes

Job Titles:
  • Accounting Specialist

Andria Piekarz

Job Titles:
  • Chief Development Officer

Ari Nissanka

Job Titles:
  • Staff Scientist & Laboratory Manager

Arthur L. Armitage

Job Titles:
  • Chairman Emeritus
  • Trustee

Ashlee Flanagan

Job Titles:
  • Veterinarian

Ashlee Steinberg

Job Titles:
  • Water Quality Technician

Aspen Cook

Job Titles:
  • Senior Environmental Specialist

Bailey Ray

Job Titles:
  • Accounts Payable Associate

Barbara Brizdle

Job Titles:
  • Trustee

Barbara Jennings

Job Titles:
  • Trustee

Betsy Kohl

Job Titles:
  • Membership Manager

Brad Tanner

Job Titles:
  • Manager of School Programs

Brian Richard

Job Titles:
  • Maintenance Supervisor at IC2R3

Briana Mays

Job Titles:
  • Staff Biologist

Britany Williams

Job Titles:
  • Aquarium Service Technician

Bryan Davis

Job Titles:
  • Director of Grants, Contracts and Sponsored Programs

Carole L. Neidig

Job Titles:
  • Staff Scientist

Caroline Melby

Job Titles:
  • Volunteer Coordinator

Carolyn Cush

Job Titles:
  • Research Assistant

Caryn Freas

Job Titles:
  • Development Associate - Corporate Partnerships

Casey Olsen

Job Titles:
  • Staff Biologist

Chloe Manley

Job Titles:
  • Research Technician

Chris Puleo

Job Titles:
  • Aquarium Maintenance

Christina Nau

Job Titles:
  • Photo ID Technician

Claire Messmer

Job Titles:
  • Volunteer and Intern Coordinator

Claire Neal

Job Titles:
  • Research Technician

Clayton Pelkey

Job Titles:
  • Coral Reef Research and Restoration Assistant

Clinton Wetzel

Job Titles:
  • Facilities Manager of Mote Operations, Fl Keys

Cody Cole

Job Titles:
  • Staff Biologist

Cody Engelsma

Job Titles:
  • Staff Biologist

Connie Murk

Job Titles:
  • Senior Animal Care Technician

Coral Coordinator

Job Titles:
  • Coral Coordinator, Lab Manager

Coral Reef

Job Titles:
  • Coral Reef Research and Restoration Assistant

Coral Reef Ecosystems

Job Titles:
  • Coral Reef Ecosystems Technician

Coral Reef Restoration


Courtney Hessell

Job Titles:
  • Animal Care Technician

Dakotah Merck

Job Titles:
  • Coral Restoration Inventory Manager and Staff Biologist

Dan Bebak

Job Titles:
  • Vice President Aquarium, Education and Outreach

Dana Henderson

Job Titles:
  • School Programs Coordinator

David Goerner

Job Titles:
  • Aquarium Services Associate

David Gordon

Job Titles:
  • Staff Chemist I

Dean Dougherty

Job Titles:
  • Senior Captain

Dean H. Eisner

Job Titles:
  • Trustee

Deanna Bebak

Job Titles:
  • Human Resources Manager

Deborah E. Allen Schultz - CFO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Financial Officer

Devin Burris

Job Titles:
  • Staff Biologist

Donna Basso

Job Titles:
  • Chief Executive Assistant to the President & CEO

Dr. Andrea Tarnecki

Job Titles:
  • Staff Scientist

Dr. Andrew Economos

Job Titles:
  • Trustee
  • Dean H. Eisner

Dr. Beth Brady

Job Titles:
  • Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Dr. Carl Luer

Job Titles:
  • Program Manager
  • Senior Scientist

Dr. Catherine Walsh

Job Titles:
  • Associate Vice President for Research, Senior Scientist, Program Manager

Dr. Courtney Klepac

Job Titles:
  • Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Dr. Cynthia Heil

Job Titles:
  • Director of the Red Tide Institute at Mote Marine Laboratory Manager of Mote 's HAB Mitigation & Ecology Program

Dr. Dana Wetzel

Job Titles:
  • Program Manager
  • Senior Scientist

Dr. Demian Chapman

Job Titles:
  • Senior Scientist & Director, Center for Shark Research

Dr. Emily Hall

Job Titles:
  • Program Manager
  • Senior Scientist

Dr. Erinn Muller

Job Titles:
  • Associate Vice President for Research, Program Manager for Coral Health & Disease, Coral Restoration, and Senior Scientist

Dr. Eugenie Clark - Founder

Job Titles:
  • Founding Director

Dr. Grace Klinges

Job Titles:
  • Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Dr. Hanna R. Koch

Job Titles:
  • Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Dr. Harris Silverman

Job Titles:
  • Trustee

Dr. Howard (Sam) Seider

Job Titles:
  • Immediate past Chairman
  • Trustee

Dr. Jake Lasala

Job Titles:
  • Postdoctoral Research Fellow ( STCRP )

Dr. James Locascio

Job Titles:
  • Program Manager Fisheries Habitat Ecology and Acoustics

Dr. Jason Spadaro

Job Titles:
  • Postdoctoral Scientist

Dr. Jayne Gardiner

Job Titles:
  • Postdoctoral Fellow

Dr. John Reynolds

Job Titles:
  • Program Manager
  • Senior Scientist

Dr. Katherine (Katie) McHugh

Job Titles:
  • Staff Scientist

Dr. Kenneth M. Leber

Job Titles:
  • Senior Scientist Emeritus and Charles M. Breder Chair

Dr. Kevan Main

Job Titles:
  • Associate Vice President for Research, Program Manager for Marine & Freshwater Aquaculture Research, and Senior Scientist

Dr. Krystan Wilkinson

Job Titles:
  • Postdoctoral Scientist

Dr. Michael P. Crosby - CEO, President

Job Titles:
  • CEO
  • Member of the Officers Team
  • President
  • Trustee
President & CEO, Dr. Michael P. Crosby, has more than 30 years of multi-disciplinary research, teaching, science management and leadership experience, including positions at numerous universities, national and international science and resource-management agencies, programs and committees. Often his work has focused on improving the synthesis, translation and transfer of science and technical information among researchers, policymakers and stakeholders.

Dr. Nathan P. Brennan

Job Titles:
  • Staff Scientist

Dr. Nicole Rhody

Job Titles:
  • Staff Scientist

Dr. Randall Wells

Job Titles:
  • Program Manager
  • Senior Scientist

Dr. Richard Pierce

Job Titles:
  • Associate Vice President for Research, Program Manager for Ecotoxicology Research Program, and Senior Scientist

Dr. Robert Hueter

Job Titles:
  • Senior Scientist Emeritus

Dr. Ryan Schloesser

Job Titles:
  • Program Manager for Fisheries Ecology & Enhancement

Dr. Sara Williams

Job Titles:
  • Postdoctoral Researcher

Dr. Sumit Chakraborty

Job Titles:
  • Staff Scientist

Dr. Vincent Lovko

Job Titles:
  • Program Manager
  • Senior Scientist

Elaina Wheaton

Job Titles:
  • Director of Education

Elaine Keating

Job Titles:
  • Honorary Trustee

Elisabeth Celentano

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Assistant - Receptionist

Elizabeth Berens McCabe

Job Titles:
  • Research Associate

Elizabeth Moore

Job Titles:
  • Trustee

Eric Lamboley

Job Titles:
  • Guest Services Manager

Erich Bartels

Job Titles:
  • Staff Scientist, Program Manager

Erin Robbins

Job Titles:
  • Accounting & Business Services Associate

Erin Shayota

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Support Assistant to the President & CEO

Esther Jaffee

Job Titles:
  • Laboratory Technician

Eugene Beckstein

Job Titles:
  • Chairman Emeritus
  • Trustee

Evan Barniskis

Job Titles:
  • Associate Vice President for Mote Aquarium

Flavio Ribeiro

Job Titles:
  • Postdoctoral Scientist

Florida Keys

Job Titles:
  • Advisory Council / Volunteer Advisory Council
  • Education

Frederick M. Derr

Job Titles:
  • Chairman Emeritus
  • Trustee

G. Lowe Morrison

Job Titles:
  • Chairman Emeritus
  • Trustee

Gabrielle D'Alonzo

Job Titles:
  • Coral Reef Ecosystems Technician

Gina Hodsdon

Job Titles:
  • Student Engagement Coordinator

Gretchen Lovewell

Job Titles:
  • Stranding Investigations Program Manager

Haley Burleson

Job Titles:
  • Field Marketing Manager

Hannah Proper

Job Titles:
  • Graphic Designer

Harold L. Pratt

Job Titles:
  • Adjunct Scientist

Hayley Rutger

Job Titles:
  • Content Development Manager

Heather Hooper

Job Titles:
  • Aquarium Dive Safety Officer

Hobart (Skip) Swan

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Officers Team
  • Secretary
  • Trustee

J. Robert Long

Job Titles:
  • Honorary Trustee

Jaci Martinez

Job Titles:
  • Staff Chemist

Jaime Fogel

Job Titles:
  • Library & Archives Director

James D. Ericson

Job Titles:
  • Trustee

James Hillier

Job Titles:
  • Oceanographic Instrumentation Engineer

Jason Allen

Job Titles:
  • Lab Manager

Jason Robertshaw

Job Titles:
  • Program Manager Virtual Learning

Jean Martin

Job Titles:
  • Honorary Trustee

Jeanie Stevenson

Job Titles:
  • Trustee

Jeff White

Job Titles:
  • Volunteer Coordinator

Jenna Rouse

Job Titles:
  • Animal Care Technician

Jennifer Johnson

Job Titles:
  • Staff Biologist

Jennifer Toyoda

Job Titles:
  • Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Jenny Ribble

Job Titles:
  • MarSci - LACE Data and Information Coordinator

Jessica Frankle

Job Titles:
  • Staff Chemist

Jessica Restivo

Job Titles:
  • Staff Biologist

Jillian Jarosinski

Job Titles:
  • Life Support Systems Technician

Jim Culter

Job Titles:
  • Program Manager
  • Senior Scientist

Jonathan Crossman

Job Titles:
  • Research Assistant

Joseph Kuehl

Job Titles:
  • Staff Biologist, Diving Safety Officer

Joseph Nickelson

Job Titles:
  • Video Services Manager

Judy Graham

Job Titles:
  • Chairman Emeritus
  • Trustee

Kaitlyn Cupp

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Aquarium Biologist I - Temporary

Karen Stults

Job Titles:
  • Director of Foundation Relations

Kari Imhof

Job Titles:
  • Research Technician

Karl Henderson

Job Titles:
  • Oceanographic Research Engineer

Katherine Felch

Job Titles:
  • Culture Lab Technician

Kathy Klingensmith

Job Titles:
  • Staff Biologist

Katie Harrington

Job Titles:
  • Research Technician

Kayaking With Mote

Job Titles:
  • Partner

Kelcie Hall

Job Titles:
  • Education Specialist

Kelly Gallagher

Job Titles:
  • Research Associate

Kelsee Trasser

Job Titles:
  • Education Specialist II

Kevin Claridge

Job Titles:
  • Vice President for Sponsored Research & Coastal Policy Programs

Kevin Cooper

Job Titles:
  • Vice President for Communications and Strategic Initiatives

Kevin Poirrier

Job Titles:
  • Inventory Specialist

Kevin Toshner

Job Titles:
  • Guest Services Associate

Kyle Knoblock

Job Titles:
  • Staff Biologist, Boat Captain

Laura Emmons

Job Titles:
  • Accountant

Lauren Hughey

Job Titles:
  • Senior Major Gifts Officer

Lauren Markham

Job Titles:
  • Manager, Operations & Administration

Lisa Kinsella

Job Titles:
  • Rehabilitation Volunteer Coordinator

Lizabeth Longstreet

Job Titles:
  • Staff Biologist

Lori J. Beier

Job Titles:
  • Business Services Manager

Louis Schlecker

Job Titles:
  • Staff Biologist

Lt. Gen. Howard G. Crowell

Job Titles:
  • Trustee Emeritus

LTC Frances Presley Rice

Job Titles:
  • Trustee

Lynne Byrd

Job Titles:
  • Rehabilitation and Medical Care Coordinator

Malisa Hildebrandt

Job Titles:
  • Accounts Payable Assistant

Marina Villoch

Job Titles:
  • Coral Technician, Laboratory Manager

Matt Seguin

Job Titles:
  • Registrar and Animal Resource Officer

Maurice (Mo) Cunniffe - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of the Board
  • Member of the Officers Team
  • Trustee

Max Fullmer

Job Titles:
  • Research Assistant

Max Lee

Job Titles:
  • Staff Biologist

Megan Arp

Job Titles:
  • Staff Ecotoxicologist

Melissa Macksey

Job Titles:
  • Senior Biologist & Conservation Manager

Melissa Sante

Job Titles:
  • Staff Chemist

Michael Moore

Job Titles:
  • Special Advisor, Office of the President

Michael Stoddard Henry

Job Titles:
  • Staff Scientist

Morgan Meyer

Job Titles:
  • Programs Coordinator

Nadya Pack

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Assistance - Receptionist

Nicole Johnston

Job Titles:
  • Education Specialist II

Olivia Cameron

Job Titles:
  • Communications Coordinator

Paula Caldentey

Job Titles:
  • Staff Biologist

Penelope Kingman

Job Titles:
  • Trustee

Rachael Thompson

Job Titles:
  • Aquarium Guest Services Associate

Raul Rodriguez

Job Titles:
  • Environmental and Occupational Safety Officer

Reese Kober

Job Titles:
  • Laboratory Technician

Richard O. Donegan

Job Titles:
  • Trustee
  • Trustee at Large

Richard Paetsch

Job Titles:
  • Maintenance Manager

Robert A. Essner

Job Titles:
  • Chairman Emeritus
  • Trustee

Robert E. Carter

Job Titles:
  • Chairman Emeritus
  • Trustee

Robert Senger

Job Titles:
  • Maintenance Assistant

Rod Hershberger

Job Titles:
  • Trustee

Rogan Donelly

Job Titles:
  • Trustee

Ronald D. Ciaravella

Job Titles:
  • Trustee Emeritus

Rusty Holmes

Job Titles:
  • Research Administrative Assistant

Ryan McGoldrick

Job Titles:
  • Staff Chemist

Samantha Harlow

Job Titles:
  • Chemist / Technician

Samantha Simpson

Job Titles:
  • Staff Biologist

Sandi Stuart

Job Titles:
  • Vice Chairman of the Board

Sandra Stuart

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Officers Team
  • Trustee
  • Vice Chairman

Sarah Klass

Job Titles:
  • Lead Researcher / HAB Ecology and Mitigation

Savanna Miller

Job Titles:
  • Executive Assistant I Development Associate

Scott Collins - Treasurer

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Officers Team
  • Treasurer
  • Trustee

Sean Stover

Job Titles:
  • Communications Coordinator

Shannon Powers

Job Titles:
  • Education Specialist II

Stephanie Sirotzke

Job Titles:
  • Coral Coordinator, Lab Manager

Stephannie Kettle

Job Titles:
  • Director of Marketing & Public Relations

Summer Brooks

Job Titles:
  • Staff Biologist

Sunnie Brenneman

Job Titles:
  • Research Assistant

Susan C. Gilmore

Job Titles:
  • Trustee

Susan Launay

Job Titles:
  • Staff Chemist III

Susan May

Job Titles:
  • Director - Donor Data Management

Susan Molinari

Job Titles:
  • Trustee

Susan Ryan

Job Titles:
  • Office Manager, Education, Aquarium & Outreach

Terri Deppe

Job Titles:
  • Senior Research Administrative Assistant

Tracy Sherwood

Job Titles:
  • Staff Scientist

Travis Knorr

Job Titles:
  • Life Support Systems Manager of the Florida Keys

Trisa Wintringham

Job Titles:
  • Executive Secretary, Board of Trustees

Tristyn Bercel

Job Titles:
  • Postdoctoral Researcher

Valerie Hagan

Job Titles:
  • Staff Biologist

Veronica Gilbert

Job Titles:
  • Payroll and Accounting Associate

Veronica Perrelli

Job Titles:
  • Events Manager

Vicki Wiese

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Assistant

Weston Spoon

Job Titles:
  • Animal Care Technician

William S. Galvano

Job Titles:
  • Honorary Trustee

William Scott

Job Titles:
  • Staff Biologist