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Alexandra Dawson

M.S. Student - Earth Sciences: Ocean Mapping
Office 220V

Center for Coastal & Ocean Mapping/Joint Hydrographic Center
Jere A. Chase Ocean Engineering Lab
24 Colovos Road
Durham, New Hampshire 03824

603.862.0564 (tel)
603.862.0839 (fax)

Alexandra (Alex) Dawson is a Physical Scientist and Hydrographic Surveys Project Manager for the NOAA Office of Coast Survey's Hydrographic Surveys Division. Alex obtained her Bachelor of Science in Geology from the College of Charleston in 2018 and was a proud member of the BEAMS Program (BEnthic Acoustic Mapping and Survey) for three years under the leadership of Dr. Leslie Sautter. Alex prioritizes, plans, and manages Office of Coast Survey-led hydrographic survey projects using in-house and contracted survey platforms. She critically evaluates the nation's seafloor mapping needs and applies the necessary hydrographic survey specifications, requirements, and resources to update NOAA nautical charting products and ensure safe maritime navigation within the United States Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). In 2023, Alex discovered a paleochannel off the coast of Wilmington, North Carolina which was once above sea level during the Last Glacial Maximum. She hypothesizes that the Wilmington paleochannel may be ancient remnants of North Carolina's Cape Fear river, which has remained perfectly preserved due to the barrier wall nature of Frying Pan Shoals. To learn more about the newly discovered ancient paleochannel, please visit: https://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/updates/possible-ancient-river-system-discovered-off-wilmington-north-carolina/

Alex began pursuing her Masters in Earth Sciences: Ocean Mapping in August 2024 and looks forward to furthering her career as a woman in STEM. In her free time, Alex is working on co-hosting a podcast that highlights professionals within various careers in ocean science.