Kelly O'Connell

Kelly O'Connell has extensive experience in the field of marine research and operations. Kelly started their career as a Marine Technician Volunteer with AOML where they gained experience in conducting cable calibration and hydrographic surveys. Kelly then worked as a Tissue Recovery Technician at MiMedx, facilitating the donation of amniotic tissue for skin grafts. Kelly also worked as an Intern and Volunteer Coordinator at Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves.

In 2016, Kelly joined the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) where they held various roles, including Research Associate, Research Operations Specialist, and Research Operations Specialist II. Their responsibilities at NOAA included coordinating personnel and paperwork for cruises, participating in research cruises, and assisting with data processing for multiple projects.

Kelly also worked at Cardinal Point Captains, Inc as a Research Operations Specialist, where they participated in research cruises and assisted with data processing. Kelly also gained experience as a Laboratory Assistant at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.

In 2017, Kelly served as a Marine Ecosystem and Data Management Intern at the National Park Service. Their role involved managing marine ecosystem data. Prior to that, they worked as a Laboratory Intern at the University of South Florida College of Marine Science, where they conducted experiments related to coral reef resiliency and genetic advantages.

Overall, Kelly O'Connell has a diverse range of experience in marine research, operations, and data management.

Kelly O'Connell completed a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biology/Biological Sciences, General at the University of South Florida from 2010 to 2014. Kelly then pursued a Master of Science (MS) degree in Tropical Marine Ecosystem Management at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science from 2016 to 2019. Kelly O'Connell has also obtained additional certifications, including NOAA Diver from the NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration in March 2019 and AAUS Scientific Diving Certification from the American Academy of Underwater Sciences in May 2017. Kelly has also completed a Bartending course at the American Bartending School and holds certifications in Divers Alert Network First Aid and CPR, Divers Alert Network Oxygen, Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), NAUI Nitrox Certification, NAUI Open Water Diving Certification, Scientific Diving from AAUS, and Shipping of Dangerous Goods by Ground and Air from the Environmental Resource Center.