Marine biologist and conservationist Dr Alistair Dove was appointed CEO of the Museum of Science & History (MOSH) in Jacksonville, Florida, in 2024. He was formerly vice president of science and education at the Georgia Aquarium and has extensive experience across numerous departments, including research, conservation, nutrition and development.
Upon his appointment, William Magevney, MOSH board chair said: “Al is a renowned scientist, an experienced educator, a masterful storyteller and a proven leader from a world-class institution. He’s the right fit at the right time and we can’t wait for him to get to work.”
“MOSH is a cherished cultural institution and I look forward to leading this preeminent science and history museum through its current programming and into an exciting future through the MOSH Genesis project,” said Dove.
The $85m MOSH Genesis project will relocate the museum to a new 100,000-square-foot museum, significantly expanding the organisation’s capacity. Dove brings direct experience managing complex, multi-million dollar budgets, assisting in the creation of captivating visitor experiences, and forming strategic alliances.
Dove’s research focuses on diversity and health in the aquatic environment and is currently concentrated on whale shark biology. He previously studied American lobsters, and parasite ecology in both freshwater and marine fishes in Australia.
A passionate scientist communicator and two-time TEDx speaker, Dove is particularly interested in seeing scientific research transfer into real educational and conservation impacts. He is a board member of Oceans Forward and SEZARC, an adjunct professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of Georgia, and a Professional Fellow of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
His academic accomplishments include over 75 peer-reviewed scientific articles as well as research and teaching posts at Cornell and Stony Brook universities. Dove’s book, Whale Sharks: Biology, Ecology, and Conservation, was published in 2021 and co-edited by Simon Pierce from Marine Megafauna Foundation.