John Morrissey, PhD - Sweet Briar College

John F. Morrissey is Professor of marine biology at Sweet Briar College.  He is on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the American Elasmobranch Society, the world’s largest scientific society of professional ichthyologists who specialize in the biology of sharks, skates, and rays. His research interests include deep-sea sharks of Jamaica, natural history of chain catsharks (Scyliorhinus rotifer), the association between yellow stingrays (Urobatis jamaicensis) and cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis), behavioral ecology of juvenile lemon sharks (negaprion brevirostris) inferred via ultrasonic telemetry, and molecular systematics of elasmobranches.

Dr. Morrissey earned his Ph.D. in Marine Biology and Fisheries from the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.

James L. Sumich, PhD - Biology Department, Grossmont College

James L. Sumich, Ph.D., is an instructor of marine biology and zoology at Grossmont Community College in El Cajon, California. Professor Sumich has been heavily involved with curriculum development at Grossmont, including the creation of a textbook and laboratory manual for marine biology, and the introduction of computer-enhanced instruction techniques for biology laboratories. He recently co-authored an advanced textbook on the biology of marine mammals. His current research interests include studies of the energetics of fasting, migration, and lactation in gray whales.