Nicole Charnock, Bioligical Scientist, KML

Nicole Charnock joined the KML team in February 2023 as a Biological Scientist. Nicole grew up in North Carolina and began diving in 2006. She received her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Marine Science from University of San Diego in 2016 and is currently enrolled in University of Florida’s Master of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences graduate program. Since moving to the Keys in 2018, she has worked for three years as an Environmental Specialist with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in assessing marine resources and restoration of wetlands, mangroves, seagrass, and coral. She also spent two years as a Research Associate with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Research Institute’s Restoration Ecology program where she conducted research and monitoring on conch, urchin, sponge, and coral reef ecosystems. Nicole became an AAUS Scientific Diver in 2020 and has logged over 500 scientific dives throughout the Keys since then. She is also a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, SSI Advanced Open Water Instructor, and holds a USCG Merchant Mariner Credential for OUPV Operator. Most recently, she used these credentials as a volunteer for an organization that teaches scuba diving and scientific diving techniques to kids in the lower Keys. Nicole has served as Dive Instructor and Safety Officer for international undergraduate research courses and sits on an AAUS Dive Control Board. Nicole is excited to utilize her skills to facilitate research across various habitats and ecosystems of the Florida Keys in her position at KML.

Experience: 5 Years
Specialization: Restoration Ecology, Coral & Sponge Restoration and Monitoring, Marine Science, Diving.