Alumna Rosie Moore Swims with the Sharks in New Netflix Series

Charles E. Schmidt College of Science alumna Rosie Moore, M.S. in Geosciences ‘21, is taking a bite out of Netflix’s new series “ALL THE SHARKS.” The series brings contestants on a globe-trotting race to find and document the planet’s most misunderstood predators, and our alumni are taking center stage – with both Moore and alumnus Chris Malinowski featured in the show.  

Premiering globally on July 4 on Netflix, “ALL THE SHARKS” is a high-octane conservation competition that follows four teams of shark scientists and explorers as they race across six countries in a mission to spot and document the most shark species – all for a cause. Set in stunning locations including the Maldives, the Galápagos Islands, the Bahamas, South Africa, Japan and Australia, the series challenges teams to identify and photograph as many shark species as possible. The rarer the species, the more points they earn. At stake: a $50,000 prize to be donated to the marine conservation charity of the winning team’s choice. ALL THE SHARKS isn’t just an exhilarating global adventure – it’s also a celebration of shark biodiversity and a call to action for ocean conservation.  

Moore is a biologist, a two-time FAU alumna with a background in geosciences and apex predator research, and citizen science manager for The International SeaKeepers Society. Originally from the Midwest, Moore didn’t grow up near the ocean but has dedicated her life to studying and protecting sharks.  

Making a Splash with Major Productions 

Moore is no stranger to working on major shark programs that dominate summer television, stating, “I’ve been hosting shows on Discovery Channel’s Shark Week for the past three years, which has been such an incredible ride.” This talent did not go unnoticed to the producers of ALL THE SHARKS. “Between my on-camera work and constantly sharing my passion for sharks and ocean conservation online, I guess the word got out!”  

Being part of Netflix’s new series meant traveling to remote areas to find rare species, and Rosie headed to the opposite side of the world to find an elusive shark.  

“One of the most unforgettable moments was watching epaulette sharks walk across coral reefs at night on a tiny island in Australia. These little sharks are so strange and amazing. They actually use their fins to ‘walk’ over the reef, which is something you don’t see every day. I usually work with big apex predators like tiger sharks, so it was really exciting to focus on a totally different kinds of species,” said Moore.  

The show matches Moore’s adventurous spirit and brought the alumna to ecosystems even unfamiliar to her, to work alongside a top team of scientists and explorers. Outside of this series, Moore regularly dives with sharks, can be found underwater filming alligators in the Everglades, and capturing compelling wildlife photos and videos behind the lens, as well.  

With both Moore and her teammate on the show hailing from the Midwest, they chose the name “Landsharks” to represent their roots. “Even though we didn’t grow up near the ocean, we’ve both built our lives around studying and protecting sharks, so Landsharks felt like the perfect fit,” said Moore.  

Foundations in Science 

It was within the halls and labs of the Schmidt College of Science that Rosie Moore's intrinsic sense of adventure found its perfect counterpart in the disciplined world of science. Her master of science in geosciences became far more than a degree; it was the robust preparation that launched her into multifaceted roles within her field, concurrently honing the very skills that would define her influential trajectory as a science communicator.  

“FAU’s Schmidt College of Science was a game changer for me. When I graduated high school, I knew I wanted to work with wildlife but wasn’t sure how to get there. Being in South Florida, so close to the Everglades and the ocean, sparked my passion for marine and wetland ecosystems,” shares Moore.  

She goes on to say, “FAU gave me the tools and confidence to become a strong science communicator and writer. I’m incredibly grateful to my university for providing such a supportive environment and the opportunities that helped shape my career and passion for conservation.”  

Science Communication and Citizen Science for Ocean's Apex 

While the very mention of "sharks" can conjure images of apex predators often seen in films, sparking an instinctive sense of unease, our understanding of these magnificent creatures is often clouded by misconception. Moore has developed an intimate understanding of shark behavior and is able to convey that to audiences through her work.  

“With sharks, knowledge turns fear into curiosity and curiosity into fascination. We begin to see them not as monsters, but as vital, awe-inspiring animals that keep our oceans in balance. Education is the first step in turning fear into respect,” states Moore.  

While Moore is often seen on popular shows and online productions, her main role is with The International SeaKeepers Society, where she manages a variety of citizen science and research projects that span the globe.  

“We work with vessels of all kinds to help collect environmental DNA, track great white sharks, and support ongoing marine research. I also assist with scientist-led expeditions where we tag sharks and gather important data to better understand their movements and behavior,” said Moore. “It’s all about connecting people with science and giving them the tools to contribute to real-world conservation efforts.”  

Facing Your Fear 

Swimming with alligators and sharks is terrifying for most, and for good reason, however, even those with experience being up close to these animals comes with some hesitation at times.  

Moore explains, “Two years ago, I was part of an expedition off the coast of Catalina Island where I got to freedive at night with mako sharks. It was my very first time seeing them up close. The water was freezing cold and honestly, I was low key terrified. But swimming alongside those large, torpedo-shaped sharks in the dark was like a dream come true.”  

Follow alumna Rosie Moore’s journey through her social media channels, Instagram @RosieKMoore , and on her YouTube series .  

Photos courtesy of Netflix and Rosie Moore, M.S.