Alexandra Fine joined Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary's Science Team in 2024 as a research specialist. In her role, she works closely with the research coordinator to plan and implement core science functions in support of the sanctuary's management plan, including identifying research priorities and developing science work plans, understanding management effectiveness, conducting damage assessments and habitat restoration, coral reef monitoring, and partner collaboration. Fine earned a bachelor's degree in marine biology from the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School and a master's degree in marine conservation and policy from Stony Brook University's School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences.
A New York City native at heart, Fine loves to travel, and after graduate school she sailed as a scientist on a research cruise traveling from San Diego to Antarctica, with a quick stop in Easter Island, Chile, studying changes in carbonate chemistry of the ocean along the way. Most recently, Fine came to the sanctuary from NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory in Miami where she led research projects to investigate the impacts of water quality and land-based sources of pollution on coral reef ecosystems in South Florida. Prior to NOAA, she worked at Mote Marine Lab on Summerland Key, where she developed and executed research experiments on the effects of climate change, ocean acidification, and restoration methods on coral reef organisms and ecosystems. She loves being out on the water scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, paddling and enjoying all the wildlife and nature the world has to offer.
