Moderators

• 
  Changing Seas Moderator

• 
  South Florida PBS WPBT & WXEL

Participants

• 
  James A. “Buddy” Powell, Ph.D.

  Panelist

  Dr. Powell, author of multiple books and scientific publications, is the Executive Director of Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute and a Pew Fellow in Marine Conservation. For more than 40 years, Dr. Powell has worked to conserve manatees and other endangered species around the world and his efforts have contributed to the establishment of coastal protected areas in Florida, West Africa, Central America, and now Cuba. His approach integrates science and education to unlock solutions to conservation issues.

• 
  Margaret E. Hunter, Ph.D.

  Panelist

  Dr. Margaret Hunter is a research geneticist at the U.S. Geological Survey and adjunct faculty member at the University of Florida. Dr. Hunter's research focuses on conservation genetics and genomics of imperiled and invasive species for conservation and management efforts. She uses environmental DNA (eDNA) to characterize species' range-boundaries and movement pathways. Her research with the Florida manatee includes eDNA detection, identifying genetic management units for conservation and assessing manatee health and adaptive potential in changing environmental conditions. She also develops genetics tools to study invasive species, such as the Burmese python in the Florida Everglades. Genetic studies of invasive species can determine breeding groups and source populations to target for management actions and removal.

• 
  Alexa Elliott

  Panelist

  Series Producer Despite the fact that she is prone to seasickness, Alexa Elliott loves to scuba-dive and spend time on the water. So when she was asked to develop a new science series for WPBT2 in 2007, she jumped on the opportunity to cover some of the exciting ocean research that is conducted in Florida and the Caribbean. Alexa has worked in public broadcasting since 1996, both in public radio news as well as in television production. She has produced television programs of various genres, but nature, science and environmental programming have always been her favorite. Alexa has received numerous awards for her work, including the prestigious Communication Award presented by the National Academy of Sciences, regional Emmy Awards, a regional Edward R. Murrow Award, and an award from the Society of Environmental Journalists. She has two degrees in Broadcast Journalism – a BA from Morehead State University and a MA from the University of Florida.

• 
  Sean Hickey

  Panelist

  Director of Photography and Editor Emmy award-winning editor Sean Hickey traded in his snow skis for scuba fins when he moved to Miami from New Hampshire in 1990. After graduating from Barry University with a Batchelor’s degree in Sports Management, Hickey honed his skills as an underwater videographer and editor while working aboard a South Florida charter boat as a scuba instructor. Hickey started working at WPBT2 in 1997, working as a videographer and editor on many acclaimed productions. His diving experience make him a great asset to the Changing Seas series, for which he is the Director of Photography and editor. Hickey and his wife Debbie enjoy spending time with their three dogs, two cats, a bird and a fish.