Alex Parker

Alex Parker, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Oceanography at the California State University Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime), where he has been a faculty member since 2013. He is deeply committed to immersive, hands-on education, taking students beyond the traditional classroom and onto vessels in the San Francisco Bay to conduct real-world oceanographic research. His teaching and research are centered on marine ecosystems, particularly in the San Francisco Estuary and polar regions like the Antarctic.

• Institution: California State University Maritime Academy
• Role: Associate Professor of Oceanography
• Location: Vallejo, California
• Key Focus: Field-based marine science education

Dr. Parker earned his bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Colorado (1995) and his Ph.D. in Oceanography from the University of Delaware (2004). Prior to joining Cal Maritime, he conducted research at San Francisco State University, further strengthening his expertise in coastal and marine systems.

• B.S. in Biology, University of Colorado, 1995
• Ph.D. in Oceanography, University of Delaware, 2004

A passionate advocate for experiential learning, Dr. Parker emphasizes the scientific method through direct experimentation. His research interests include microbial communities in marine environments, estuarine dynamics, ocean acidification, and plastic pollution. He believes that true scientific understanding comes from exploration and discovery in natural settings, which he fosters through fieldwork, student-led inquiries, and collaborative projects.

Dr. Parker has played a pivotal role in advancing marine science education at Cal Maritime. He founded the Oceanography Club to connect students with internships and careers, introduced the institution’s first marine biology lab course in 2016, and is currently leading efforts to establish the campus’s first science-focused bachelor’s degree in Oceanography. This program will emphasize hands-on, collaborative learning and prepare students for leadership in marine science.

His students engage in authentic research, such as deploying oceanographic instruments, collecting water samples, and monitoring biofouling on acrylic plates in the harbor. They also collaborate with agencies like the U.S. Geological Survey, the California State Lands Commission, and the CSU Council on Ocean Affairs, Science and Technology (COAST), gaining valuable interdisciplinary experience.

Dr. Parker's impact extends beyond the classroom. He serves as the advisor for Cal Maritime’s marine science minor, guiding students interested in research vessels or graduate studies. His vision is to cultivate the next generation of ocean scientists equipped to tackle pressing environmental threats such as offshore drilling, climate change, and marine pollution.

He grew up exploring the New England coastline, an early experience that sparked his lifelong passion for the ocean. At Cal Maritime—a waterfront campus with access to vessels like the training ship Golden Bear and the Cub—he has found the ideal environment to practice and promote field-based oceanography.