Marine Biologists

She is our Lead Biologist and has been with Sarasota Bay Explorers since 2021. A Florida native, Amanda attended the University of South Florida (Sarasota-Manatee campus) and earned her Bachelor of Biology in 2020. Her favorite creatures to catch on the boat are pufferfish—and she’ll proudly let you know whenever she lands one!

Meet Sky! A true Florida native born in Sarasota, Sky has been with Sarasota Bay Explorers since 2022. Sky studied locally and at New College, earning a Bachelor of Biology. After graduation, Sky completed an internship with the Student Conservation Association as a Community Ambassador at DeSoto National Memorial, gaining valuable experience educating the public about wildlife. Sky’s favorite wildlife are mollusks, including lightning whelks and sea hares.

Brie joined Sarasota Bay Explorers in August 2025 as our newest team member. She graduated from the University of Alabama in December 2024 with a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science and a minor in Geology. During her studies, she worked in biochemistry and geology labs and spent a summer studying in Dauphin Island, Alabama, gaining hands-on experience in the bay and the Gulf. Her favorite marine animal is the Hawksbill Sea Turtle, admired for its specialized beak and beautiful shell scutes.

She has been with Sarasota Bay Explorers since 2023 as one of our talented biologists. Originally from Indiana, she earned her degree in Marine Science with a minor in Geology from Florida Gulf Coast University. Molly’s favorite animals to catch on our boats are the “creepy crawly” ones.