Allison Fitzgerald

Allison Fitzgerald serves as an Associate Professor in the Biology department at New Jersey City University, where she leads research on urban estuarine ecosystems and marine community dynamics.

Education:

• B.Sc. in Marine Biology from University of Maryland (2003)
• M.Sc. in Coastal and Ocean Sciences from Stony Brook University (2005)
• Ph.D. in Ecology & Biology from City University of New York (2014)

Her research examines critical interactions between urbanization and coastal ecosystems through projects on oyster restoration, living shoreline installations, and salt marsh dynamics. The Fitzgerald Lab emphasizes hands-on fieldwork across New Jersey and New York estuaries, utilizing microscopy for precise invertebrate species identification while addressing climate change impacts on urban waterways. Students gain direct experience in ecological monitoring and restoration techniques through this applied research framework.

The lab maintains active community partnerships focused on environmental education and outreach, operating with strong engagement in local ecosystem conservation efforts as reflected by their public Instagram presence (@FitzgeraldLab). Their work bridges academic research with practical solutions for urban coastal management.