Alison M. Roark

Alison M. Roark is a Professor of Biology at Furman University, specializing in animal physiology and environmental stressors' impact on marine organisms, particularly cnidarians like corals and anemones. She serves as Program Director for the FU-HHMI STEM Inclusive Excellence (IE3) Program, fostering inclusive STEM education. Her research focuses on symbiotic relationships between cnidarians and algae, using techniques like fluorescence microscopy and histology.

Roark holds a Ph.D. from the University of Florida and a B.S. from the University of Virginia. Her work examines how pollutants and elevated temperatures affect cnidarian development, growth, and reproduction. Key projects include studying the effects of endocrine disruptors on marine systems and exploring symbiotic dynamics in cnidarians.

Her honors include the Herman N. Hipp Endowed Chair (2018-2021). Roark’s publications span coral biology, endocrine disruption, and undergraduate research methodologies. She actively involves students in her lab, mentoring numerous advisees in collaborative research projects.

Roark’s research bridges ecology and physiology, with implications for marine conservation and understanding symbiotic resilience. Her contributions to STEM education emphasize inclusive excellence and mentorship, shaping both academic and applied outcomes in biology.