School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences

Zachary Doubek (MA, 2025)

Zachary Doubek unhooks a fish while a group of people observe

Originally from Maplewood, New Jersey, Zachary Doubek has built a career around marine science and environmental education. He earned his undergraduate degree in Marine Sciences with a concentration in Marine Biology from the University of Delaware, where he also received a certificate in Eco-Entrepreneurship. During his undergraduate years, he began working seasonally with the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife. He has been in this role for the past five years, leading educational programs focused on the Barnegat Bay ecosystem. 

Today, Zachary is a High School Sustainability Teacher at Union County Vocational-Technical Schools in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. He teaches a diverse range of courses, including Introduction to Environmental Science, Human Ecology, Agriculture of Plants & Animals, Sustainable Energy, and Sustainable Entrepreneurship. He is currently developing a curriculum for an emerging Marine Biology course that he will begin teaching in Fall 2026. During the summer, Zachary continues his work with New Jersey Fish and Wildlife as a Captain and Program Director at Sedge Island. He enjoys inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards and finds it rewarding when students develop the same enthusiasm for conservation and sustainability as him.

As part of the Marine Conservation and Policy (MCP) program, Zachary completed a capstone through New Jersey Fish and Wildlife, mentored by David Taylor, examining how seasonal changes influence biodiversity in Barnegat Bay. Using an eight-foot trawl net, he compared biodiversity between areas with submerged aquatic vegetation and those with sandy and muddy substrates. 

Zachary says one of his favorite aspects of the MCP program was the opportunity to connect with passionate students, faculty, and conservation professionals who shared a commitment to protecting marine ecosystems. He was able to meet influential leaders working in conservation at local, state, and national levels, reinforcing his belief that individual efforts can contribute to meaningful change. He also valued the hands-on field work experience exploring Long Island's diverse ecosystem through the course MAR 531: Long Island Marine Habitats.