Development Leadership

Over the last 10 years, Brandon has been with Florida Atlantic University and first came to the Harbor Branch campus in 2015. As a student he participated in FAU Harbor Branch’s Semester By The Sea, Summer Internship and graduate programs, which deepened his interest in marine science. Brandon’s masters research was conducted in the Marine Microbial Ecology lab and focused on the physiology of Vibrio vulnificus, a human pathogen, which had important implications for human health and recreational safety. He also gained valuable experience working as a research technician in the USDA Genomics and Aquaculture Nutrition labs, which aim to increase the domestic production of Florida Pompano in the United States.

Brandon also has a strong passion for educating people about the ocean and has been a member of the FAU Harbor Branch outreach team for several years. In this role, he has assisted with a variety of programs, worked with diverse audiences and played a key role in the development of exhibitions, live aquaria, digital media and activities. Now, as part of the Development Team, his goal is to inform the broader community about the amazing research being conducted at FAU Harbor Branch, how it affects their daily lives and ways that they can support the Institute’s mission of Ocean Science for a Better World^®.

Texa Gaya joined FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in 2020 and currently works as the Engagement Associate. Her background is in Hospitality, where she spent nearly 17 years in the luxury hotel sector feeding her passion for creating events and engaging with people from around the world. Growing up in Key Biscayne, Florida her love for the ocean was fostered from a very early age. Texa graduated from Florida International University in Miami, FL, in 2004 with a B.A. in International Relations and Geography with a minor in French. Active in her community, Texa is involved with local non-profits and believes deeply in ocean conservation. Originally from Mexico City, Mexico, Texa is fluent in Spanish and French. She lives in Vero Beach, FL with her husband and two children.