Alyssa M. MacDonald

Alyssa M. MacDonald serves as Associate Professor in the Biology Math and Sciences division at University of Hawai‘i at Leeward Community College, where she coordinates the Marine Option Program and contributes to the UH Pacific Water Resilience and Security Group. Her institutional roles include active service on the Writing Intensive Board, Teaching Guidelines Committee, Faculty Senate Elections Committee, Sustainability Committee, and Division Personnel Committee.

Her academic foundation includes:

• BS in Biology
• MS in Fisheries Oceanography (University of Massachusetts Dartmouth)
• PhD in Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering (University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa)

Research focuses on marine biology and fisheries oceanography with molecular biosciences applications, specifically addressing Pacific water security through interdisciplinary approaches. Her work bridges laboratory techniques with field studies in oceanography, emphasizing sustainable resource management for island communities. The Marine Option Program she coordinates provides critical experiential learning pathways in marine science.

As Marine Option Program Coordinator, Professor MacDonald mentors students in marine research while advancing institutional sustainability goals through committee work. Her position in the UH Pacific Water Resilience and Security Group indicates active grant-funded research, though specific projects aren't detailed in available materials.

Professor MacDonald's leadership in the Marine Option Program connects classroom learning with real-world water security challenges, leveraging Leeward CC's coastal location for field-based education in marine science and environmental stewardship.