FMSEA 2026 celebrates the theme “Connecting the Dots” - bridging science, education, and conservation to benefit our blue planet. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Alistair Dove as our keynote speaker whose distinguished career embodies this mission - spanning groundbreaking research, institutional leadership, and global science communication.

Dr. Dove currently serves as CEO of the Museum of Science and History in Jacksonville, Florida, and previously held the role of Vice President at Georgia Aquarium, where he led innovative programs linking marine research to public engagement. His academic background includes faculty positions at Cornell and Stony Brook Universities, and he continues to serve as an adjunct professor at Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of Georgia. He is also a Professional Fellow of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and a board member for Oceans Forward and SEZARC.

An Australian-American scientist, Dr. Dove has made significant contributions to marine biology. He co-led the team that sequenced and assembled the whale shark genome, documented the largest aggregation of whale sharks known to science, and discovered potential whale shark mating grounds in the South Atlantic. His expeditionary work spans the Galápagos, St. Helena, Indonesia, and Mexico, reflecting a global perspective on biodiversity and environmental change. Earlier in his career, he described new species of parasites in Australian fishes and identified a novel disease in American lobsters linked to environmental shifts, research that underscores the interconnectedness of ecosystems and human impact.

Beyond research, Dr. Dove is a passionate advocate for science communication. A two-time TEDx speaker and contributor to Nat Geo, PBS, and ABC’s Ocean Mysteries with Jeff Corwin, he has an exceptional ability to make complex marine science accessible and inspiring. His book, Whale Sharks: Biology, Ecology, and Conservation (2021), co-edited with Simon Pierce, further demonstrates his commitment to advancing knowledge and conservation. He strives to spark a contagious excitement for marine biology among the public, helping others experience the wonder of extraordinary marine animals and ecosystems.

Dr. Dove’s career has connected dots across disciplines (biology, genetics, ecology), sectors (academia, aquariums, museums), and audiences (scientists, educators, the public). His experiences and perspectives will inspire connections across science, education, and conservation to drive collective impact and shape the future of our oceans.

Enjoy interacting with dynamic exhibitors throughout the Conference sessions. 

Explore FAU Harbor Branch’s life-sized humpback whale, marine mammal ambulance, and floating laboratory, plus visit educational tabletop exhibits from leading organizations including Ocearch, Reef Relief, FAU Marine Lab, Manatee Lagoon, and Octonation, as well as ocean-themed vendors like Fin Pin Shop, Ebb and Flow Glass....and more!