Alaska Fisheries Science Center welcomes Angela Doroff as the newest addition to its Auke Bay Laboratories leadership team. Angela will fill the role of Deputy Director. She brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise in marine systems, particularly in Alaska.
“Angela’s passion for connecting science, stewardship, and service has resonated with many state and federal organizations throughout her career,” said Dana Hanselman, Director of Auke Bay Laboratories, Alaska Fisheries Science Center. “She has an extensive background in wildlife biology and ecology. She made her mark in Alaska through her conservation efforts and research on northern sea otters, invasive species, ocean circulation models, and ocean acidification. We are excited to have her join our team.”
Angela grew up in Minnesota, the land of 10,000 lakes. She attended the University of Minnesota where she earned her undergraduate degree in biology. Feeling the need to surround herself with more water, Angela made the move to Wisconsin—the land of even more lakes. There, she earned her masters degree in wildlife ecology at the University of Wisconsin. Eventually the flat lands and calm waters of Wisconsin gave way to the allure of the vast mountain ranges and ocean waters of Alaska.
Angela’s tenure in Alaska spans decades. She began her career in Alaska in 1989 as a wildlife biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Alaska Science Center and the Marine Mammals Management division in Anchorage, Alaska.
Over her 19-year career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service she masterfully managed the Alaska Sea Otter Program, addressing critical needs identified under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. She also served as the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Sea Otter representative to the Otter Specialist Group for 26 years. These roles demanded an astute understanding of sea otter population dynamics across diverse Alaskan habitats. The results of her research significantly impacted the conservation of northern sea otters.
Angela successfully forged partnerships with various stakeholder groups including universities, federal and state agencies, Tribal entities, NGOs, and aquaria. Her contributions to marine biology are highlighted by 19 peer-reviewed publications on sea otters. The publications illuminate her depth of knowledge and commitment to the field.
After her time at US Fish and Wildlife Service, Angela worked as the research coordinator at the Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Homer for nearly a decade. She coordinated long-term monitoring projects with 28 other reserves. She also developed research interests in invasive species, ocean circulation models, and ocean acidification.
Her most recent position with the State of Alaska’s Department of Environmental Conservation brought her to Juneau. Angela served as lead support for the Spill Response and Prevention Program where she handled databases, field logistics, and managed facilities—all critical skills for the Auke Bay Laboratories Deputy Director.
Angela also has taught yoga for many years. Hopefully she brings those teachings to NOAA Fisheries to keep us all calm and focused as we take on new challenges.
“We are confident that her expertise, vast experience, and collaborative approach will greatly enhance Auke Bay Laboratories' pursuit of excellence in marine research and conservation,” said Robert Foy, Director, Alaska Fisheries Science Center.
