Duane De Freese
Adjunct Professor, Biology Department, University of Central Florida
Dr. De Freese is a marine biologist with over two decades of coastal scientific research, education and conservation experience in Florida. During that time, he has served as the first director of Brevard County’s $55 million Environmentally Endangered Lands Program (1991-1998); the first Vice President of Florida Research for Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute (1998-2008) and in 2009, De Freese completed a 12-month appointment as a Visiting Associate Scientist at University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, where he was responsible for developing a strategic vision for a coastal sustainability science initiative at UCF that integrated knowledge from the natural sciences, social sciences, health sciences and management.
Through an active public speaking schedule and science leadership, Dr. De Freese is changing public perception about the value of ocean research, education and conservation in Florida. His numerous public presentations and workshops have a central message – “the oceans and their living resources are an engine that drives the economy and quality of life of Florida and the nation.”
Dr. De Freese participates in numerous community service activities. In 2009, his volunteer efforts include: Florida Ocean Alliance - Board of Directors; “GreenCities”-2009 Orlando, FL Conference Host Committee; Florida Coastal Ocean Observation System Consortium Member; University of Central Florida - College of Sciences Executive Council to the Dean; and the myregion.org - Executive Committee. Previous community service includes: the Board of Governors - Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce; Florida Advisory Council on Environmental Education; Florida Nature and Heritage Tourism Committee (appointed by Florida Governor Jeb Bush, 2001-2005); and Brevard Zoo.
Dr. De Freese holds a B.S. degree in Zoology from the University of Rhode Island and M.S & Ph.D. degrees in Biological Sciences/Marine Biology from Florida Institute of Technology.
He has authored numerous papers, received awards for his teaching and conservation efforts, and is highly sought as a public speaker. In 2007, he received an “Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award” from Florida Institute of Technology. In past years, he has also received award recognition from The Marine Resources Council of East Central Florida, The Nature Conservancy, Florida Air Academy (for community service), and the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge.
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