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Biography:
Amanda Hodo is originally from Chicago’s south side. She was a Mote intern in 2014, eventually becoming a full-time Aquarium staff member the following year. As an Aquarium Biologist III, Amanda provides care for several aquarium exhibits and co-manages the Fish and Invertebrate Department’s intern program. She is passionate about encouraging young people of color to pursue careers in marine science and serving as a mentor in a variety of settings. She is a contributing member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Diversity Committee.
In late 2022, she began serving as Mote’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisor to the President & CEO, in addition to her aquarium scientist role. She strives to build upon Mote’s initiatives and models to increase participation and retention of underrepresented minorities in marine research and aquarium science.
Education:
B.A. in Biology from Grinnell College
In 2018, Amanda was one of the four winners of AZA’s “Find Our Heroes” Award, a nation-wide video submission contest that received over 95 submissions. She was featured in AZA’s national campaign that aired February 2019.
AZA’s 2023 Disney Diversity Advancement Scholarship