Alexander Phong
My name is Alexander (Alex) Phong, and I am currently based in Miami, Florida, though I originally grew up in Hamilton, Ontario Canada. For most of my academic career, I was focused on becoming an optometrist, however, halfway through my undergraduate studies at McMaster University, Canada, I was able to find my passion for marine sciences. With the help of an organization called Operation Wallacea, an organization specializing in conservation management in remote locations, I was able to become a research assistant for a month in Honduras with the Tela Marine Research Center. The time that I have spent at the Tela Marine Research Center started and also strengthened my passion for coral conservation and reef restoration. I graduated with a B.S in Biology and Environmental Sciences from McMaster University in 2020 and entered the M.P.S. Program at the Rosenstiel School in 2022 with a focus on Coastal Zone Management.
During my time at the Rosenstiel school, I was able to strengthen my understanding of coastal zone dynamics, and the important role coastal ecosystems play in ecological services and protecting coastal communities from natural disasters. Later in 2023, I found an opportunity to volunteer in the Coral Futures Lab where the land-based hatchery team taught me a lot about daily coral husbandry tasks and the importance of corals in the environment.
After Graduating from the M.P.S. Program in 2024, I am now working as a Coral Nursery Aquarist at the Rosenstiel School's Coral Futures Lab lead by Dr. Andrew Baker. As an Aquarist, I am responsible for the daily care and maintenance of various coral species, ensuring that they are healthy and are in optimal conditions for growth. I also oversee volunteering activities at the hatchery, providing additional guidance to support our conservation efforts. I really enjoy collaborating with others who share a passion for marine ecosystems, and I look forward to inspiring others the same way I was when I came to the hatchery, while continuing to learn about coastal ecosystems from those around me!
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