Doug Harper

Strategic Planning Director

Doug has served as the Executive Director of Mālama Maunalua since 2017. Prior to this role, he dedicated eight years to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, working closely with communities to safeguard natural resources and enhance environmental stewardship. Doug emphasizes the importance of collaboration, community engagement, and using the best available science to drive effective and sustainable conservation efforts.

“Given the scope of the challenges we face, OAP fills a critical role of training and harnessing the collective power of divers. It helps us learn more about our environment, and keep track of how things are changing.”

In his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, scuba diving, and spending time at the beach. Keeping up with his energetic dog also keeps him on his toes. Doug earned his Juris Doctor, Master’s in Urban Planning, and Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies from the University of Kansas.

“With OAP, managers can make more informed and targeted decisions, thus better protecting the environment and maximizing staff and financial allocations.

Melisa Anderson

Scientific Oversight Director

Melisa received her Open Water Certification more than 20 years ago, and immediately fell in love with the Ocean. Enamored by the intricacies and fragility of coral reef ecosystems, Melisa has dedicated her life to protecting and preserving them. Melisa met our director, Dylan Brown, in 2019 while he was doing his conservation diver instructor training and they immediately bonded over their shared Kuleana to the Ocean. Melisa proceeded to uproot her life, move to O’ahu, and volunteer her free time to help bring OAP to life.

“From the moment I met Dylan, I knew we shared a deep kuleana to protect Hawai‘i’s reefs. Ocean Alliance Project isn’t just an organization—it’s a movement rooted in purpose, community, and love for the ocean.”

In the months following her move, she established our flagship Honu Conservationist Program, in the hopes of establishing a non-invasive way of tracking Honu population and disease.

“Bringing the Honu Conservationist Program to life was about more than research—it was about honoring the lives of these ancient creatures and ensuring they have a future in our waters.”

Mason Mellott

Education and Outreach Liaison

Mason has always been passionate about marine science and conservation, inspired by a childhood fascination with the ocean. With a degree in biology and experience managing a recreational scuba shop, he is now pursuing a second degree in marine biology, with plans to attain a permanent position as a marine scientist in Hawaii.

“I believe the people who live in and visit Hawaii have a unique appreciation for nature, and an enormous potential for collective action to protect it.”

Mason feels extremely lucky to be involved with Ocean Alliance Project, and he’s excited to gain hands-on experience that will help him as a developing marine scientist. He hopes to continue supporting the organization’s mission while also serving as a long-term board member, contributing to the preservation of Hawaii’s marine biodiversity for many years to come. 

“What I love most about OAP is its commitment to community-based conservation—empowering local people to take meaningful action for the future of our oceans.”

Gabriella Abouhassan

Dive Safety Officer and Marketing Coordinator

Gabriella is an experienced marine biologist and environmental sustainability professional with a Bachelor’s degree from Florida International University with over 4 years of expertise in marine management, conservation, and education.

“What I love most about joining Ocean Alliance Project is its focus on community education as the key to a more sustainable future for our planet. I”m inspired by the organization’s dedication to empowering local communities through ecological monitoring and regenerative tourism, helping people connect with and protect Hawaii’s reefs.

Gabriella specializes in scuba instruction, ecological monitoring, and rehabilitation projects. Gabriella has led impactful research, including published studies on marine biodiversity in North Miami Florida, and has worked internationally on conservation initiatives such as artificial reef development and marine mammal rescue.

Abby Timms

Keiki Program Coordinator / Research Assistant

Abby is a PADI Divemaster with a Bachelors Degree in Environmental Science. Abby has worked as a Marine Conservationist in South Africa and Honduras before working as a Divemaster in Oahu for the last 2 years.

“I have always been passionate about the ocean and knew I wanted to have a career protecting it from when I was little. When I’m not scuba diving I love to free dive and do lots of yoga. I also spend a lot of time at the beach, hanging with my dogs.”

Abby found out about OAP from working with Dylan at Waikiki Dive Centre.

“What I love most about OAP is how accessible it is. It doesn’t matter what your experience level is, if you are someone that cares about our reefs and wants to help, you totally can. It’s also accessible in the sense that all of the data we collect is open to the public. This way it can be used by anyone and everyone to get a better understanding of what’s happening, which I think is super sick!”

Alex Moe

Regenerative Tourism Coordinator / Research Assistant

Alex has been working as a snorkel guide and deckhand for the last 4 years. Alex got into OAP in 2023 and has been assisting with OAP research ever since.

“All of my work experience has been here on Oahu. Over that time i’ve spent almost every day in the water and I’ve grown such a passion for this unique ecosystem we have on our Hawaiian reefs.”

By working with OAP, Alex has been able to take his in-water experience and give back to the reef that he’s come to care so much about.

“What I love most about working with OAP is that our research is accessible to everyone and that we’re able to bring in anybody and teach them how to do it. It’s an amazing way to get more people involved and not only is it super fun but it also leads to more usable data which ultimately helps in large scale, long-term ecological monitoring over time.”

Chaleia Tamashiro

Cultural Practitioner and Outreach Coordinator

Chaleia, a proud local girl from ʻEwa Beach, Hawaiʻi, serves as our Education Outreach Coordinator and Cultural practitioner. Deeply rooted in her Hawaiian heritage, she specializes in Hawaiian studies and traditional practices such as lei making and hula, while also dedicating herself to marine conservation. Her passion for community work began in her keiki days, and her lifelong commitment to uplifting Hawaiʻi has earned her formal recognition, including a certificate from the City and County of Honolulu honoring her cultural contributions and service.

Guided by the belief in regenerating tourism to strengthen local communities, Chaleia advocates for a raw and authentic Hawaiʻi—one that honors Hawaiian values while integrating modern-day science. Through her outreach, she strives to educate visitors and residents alike, bridging cultural knowledge with contemporary environment