staff Scientists

Justin currently spends most of his time monitoring the oceans as a fisheries observer out of San Francisco Bay. As a chondrichthyan researcher, Justin focuses on the taxonomy of Demon Catsharks (genus Apristurus), which has led to the discovery of a new species of catshark. His skills for studying and identifying rare species of chondrichthyans has led him to Europe for examinations of several museum collections as well as the island of Mauritius to help lead laboratory classes during the “Identification of deep-sea cartilaginous fishes of the Indian Ocean” workshop held by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. Justin has a B.S. in marine science from CSU Monterey Bay where he began his path in shark research in as an intern in the Pacific Shark Research Center collecting morphometric and cataloging deep-sea chondrichthyans from the Indian Ocean. Justin got his Masters of Science from San Jose State University/Moss Landing Marine Laboratories  where he continued his research in deep-sea chondrichthyans by identifying demon catsharks from the Southwestern Indian Ocean. As of June 2023, Justin's research collaborations are set to bring new discoveries in the world of deep-sea sharks. Keep a look out for new publication later this year.

Vicky Vásquez was raised in San Diego by a Mexican-American mom and a Venezuelan dad, which meant family reunions allowed her to explore different oceans and even remote locations growing up. Her passion to explore the unknown led her to pursue a B.S. in Evolution & Ecology with two minors, in Psychology and in Arts from the University of California, Davis where she also studied for a semester at their Bodega Bay Marine Lab. Following her undergraduate degree, Vicky worked with a number of nonprofits focused on marine science education such as the Marine Science Institute, Ocean Discovery Institute, and the San Diego Floating Lab. She also has a Masters in Science from Moss Landing Marine Laboratories through her research with the Pacific Shark Research Center. Vicky’s research career with deep sea sharks has achieved exciting scientific firsts such as the discovery of the Ninja Lanternshark (Etmopterus benchleyi) and tagging Goblin Sharks (Mitsukurina owstoni). Vicky also dedicates a significant portion of her time to science communication through both in-person and online outreach. Directly, she most often works with students from low-socioeconomic neighborhoods and Spanish speakers. As a Shark Week alum, you may recognize Vicky from Alien Sharks: Stranger Fins, Rogue Tiger Shark: Hunt for Lagertha, Island of the Walking Shark, Shark After Dark, and as a commentator for additional Shark Week content and episodes. She’s also been featured on CBS’s Mission Unstoppable, several documentaries, YouTube series and podcasts.