Harrison M. Albert, Ph.D.

Research Permit Coordinator

Dr. Harrison M. Albert is the permit coordinator for Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, where he reviews permit applications for scientific research and other activities within the coral reef ecosystem and sanctuary waters. Dr. Albert's current research interests include all things marine mammal science, coral-sponge interactions, and investigating the role of recreational divers and snorkelers in conservation efforts.

Dr. Albert holds degrees in marine biology and ecology from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, as well as a doctorate in conservation science. Dr. Albert also received a post-graduate business certificate from the University of Miami Herbert Business School focusing on nonprofit operational management and grant writing.

In 2022, Dr. Albert was presented with the University of Miami 30 Under 30 award for his active involvement in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students. Dr. Albert is a PADI master scuba diver trainer and AAUS scientific scuba diver with hundreds of logged open water dives, a 4x aquanaut, and a deep-sea submersible diver (to 1,000 feet).

Dr. Albert brought his background of marine biology, scientific methodology, environmental impact evaluation, and education to Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary in 2023. Prior to working for the sanctuary, Dr. Albert served as the chief scientist and principal investigator for Amoray Dive Center's marine conservation team in Key Largo. As a born and raised South Florida native, Dr. Albert's favorite dive in the sanctuary is a night dive on the USS Spiegel Grove wreck in Key Largo.