He conducted his graduate work at NSU's Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, where he earned a M.S. in Marine Biology & Marine Environmental Science and a Ph.D. in Oceanography/Marine Biology, and his research interests include artificial reef fish ecology. Dr. Arena teaches in the Marine Biology, Environmental Science and Biology Majors, and he advises the NSU nature club, coordinating projects to remove exotic invasive species and restore native habitats throughout South Florida, work for which he was awarded a volunteer award from the Florida Association of Environmental Professionals.