Debborah Luke

Dr. Debi Luke is an internationally recognized leader in the zoo and aquarium world with over 25 years of marine and environmental conservation leadership experience. She serves as the Aquarium’s senior vice president of conservation, expanding The Aquarium’s dedication to understanding and conserving aquatic species and ecosystems. She oversees the Aquarium’s internationally recognized Center for Conservation in Apollo Beach, managing the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center and the Coral Conservation Program.

Previously, Dr. Luke served as senior vice president of conservation and science for nearly a decade at the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). She successful launched the field conservation programs that supported SAFE, AZA’s premier Saving Animals from Extinction program. In addition, Dr. Luke intimately understands the workings of an aquarium, having served as the director of education & research at Sea Life Park in Hawaii, and as the director of manatee care & research (along with other various roles) during 10 years at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.

Dr. Luke is no stranger to Tampa, having earned both her Doctorate and Master’s degrees in cognitive neuroscience and marine science from the University of South Florida and an undergraduate degree in psychology from New College in Sarasota.