Environmental
Management
Pinnacles’ experienced scientists and project managers are able to provide excellent project management and oversight services to our clients. Pinnacle focuses on environmental due diligence, feasibility and risk assessment studies to identify potential short and long term risks associated with port dredging and related coastal development.
Scientific Dive
Training &
Safety Management
It’s often difficult to fit into our busy schedules, but so important to make time for safety training. CPR/First Aid training is typically required every 1 to 2 years. With frequent practice, this knowledge becomes second nature and skills become muscle memory. Eight years ago, we established a Rescue Diver training program which we offer every year similarly to CPR/First Aid training.
MEET THE TEAM
President, Marine Scientist, DSO
Paul Fitzgerald
Paul is an accomplished marine biologist with over 30 years of experience as a chief scientist conducting ecological field studies of benthic ecosystems. As a leader in the scientific diving community and veteran AAUS DSO with over 10,000 scientific dives, he has been recognized with the Coastal Partnership Award by FKNMS for his leadership and professional contributions in coral reef damage assessment, reef restoration, coral transplantation, and coral nursery development.
Scientific Diver
Maddy DeSisto
Maddy is particularly interested in sharks, teleost fish, and conservation. She received her B.A. in Biology and Environmental Science from Bucknell University and her M.P.S. in Marine Conservation from the University of Miami. Maddy is most excited by Pinnacle’s work relating to conservation, such as coral relocation, habitat restoration, and biological monitoring.
Senior Scientist
Randi Shiplett
Randi Shiplett is an experienced marine biologist and team leader who has worked on projects throughout Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. Ms. Shiplett is skilled in the design and implementation of complex coastal and oceanographic research studies, QA/QC management of data collection, rigorous statistical analysis, production of comprehensive peer-reviewable scientific reports, and has extensive experience developing and implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) for laboratory and field protocols.
Field and Lab Science
Kathryn Coats
Kat is a multidisciplinary biologist with diverse interests in bioacoustics, genetics, and natural history of forest dwelling organisms. She has a M.S. in biology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and is working on her Ph.D. in integrative biology at Florida Atlantic University. She most enjoys Pinnacle's biological monitoring in Jupiter Island as it was the first time she was able to witness the practical application of monitoring a biological community after beach nourishment activities.
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Marine Biologist
Cristie Ledon
Cristie is a Florida native and marine scientist with a strong background in marine mammal bioacoustics, wildlife behavior, and resource management. Cristie has completed dual Master of Science degrees in Marine Biology and Coastal Zone Management from Nova Southeastern University in Dania Beach, FL. She is an experienced and capable scientist and team leader. She routinely manages complex data sets, performs rigorous statistical analysis, and prepares peer-reviewed scientific
reports.
Field and Lab Scientist
Kathryn Coates
Kat is a multidisciplinary biologist with diverse interests in bioacoustics, genetics, and natural history of forest dwelling organisms. She has a M.S. in biology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and is working on her Ph.D. in integrative biology at Florida Atlantic University. She most enjoys Pinnacle's biological monitoring in Jupiter Island as it was the first time she was able to witness the practical application of monitoring a biological community after beach nourishment activities.