Allison Fargo
Research Associate
Marine Biology & Ecology
Allie is a Coral Nursery Technician in the Coral Reef Futures Lab at the University of Miami’s experimental hatchery and RSMAS campus. Growing up surrounded by water, she developed a passion for the ocean and marine ecosystems through activities like swimming, sailing, and snorkeling. Her growing interest led her to pursue a bachelor's degree in marine science with a concentration in Oceanography and a minor in Ecology and Environmental Sciences from the University of Maine. She graduated in December 2023 after completing an honors thesis focused on coral restoration in Bonaire and around the world.
Allie’s passion for coral first stemmed from a summer internship at MOTE Marine Laboratories in Summerland Key. This is where she gained hands-on experience caring for coral in an ex-situ land-based hatchery. This experience ignited her passion for coral restoration and inspired her undergraduate honors thesis, which included conducting scuba surveys in Bonaire to assess coral restoration efforts and comparing various restoration techniques used worldwide. Following her graduation, Allie traveled to Utila, Honduras, for two months to obtain her PADI Divemaster and Instructor certifications.
Hired in July 2023, Allie helps oversee coral care in recirculating indoor and outdoor systems. Her main responsibility is ensuring optimal water quality by closely monitoring key parameters, particularly alkalinity and calcium. Additionally, she trains volunteers in water testing and dosing to maintain system health. Beyond water quality management, Allie is involved in daily coral husbandry and the upkeep of aquarium systems.
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