Core Staff

Alex (he/him) is a conservation data scientist and field ecologist with broad interest in the application of machine learning and population genetics to the conservation of threatened species. Alex has conducted field studies throughout central and south America, as well as the Caribbean and much of the northeastern United States. Much of this research focused on reptile, cetacean and fish ecology. Specifically, Alex brings a combined decade of experience working with marine and freshwater turtles, in addition to venomous snakes. Alex is a former fellow and current research collaborator with the Smithsonian OCIO Data Science lab. Alex’s research at the lab drove the development of “SEEShell”, a computer vision application used to combat the illegal trade of hawksbill turtles.

Alex’s passion for ecology likely stems from growing up in the picturesque piedmont of southeastern Pennsylvania where he spent much of his youth waist deep in rivers and ponds looking for critters. Alex serves as a certified Data Carpentries instructor, a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching computer programming and data science skills through instructional workshops. Alex is also a certified open-water diver, virtual reality enthusiast, miniature painter and an avid Philadelphia Union soccer fan.