Colin Simpfendorfer, Ph.D. - Team Leader

A Staff Scientist at Mote Marine Laboratory's Center for Shark Research, Dr. Colin Simpfendorfer is a shark population biologist. He is responsible for the coordination of the Sawfish Research Project. Dr. Simpfendorfer has been researching the conservation biology of smalltooth sawfish since 1999. He received his Ph.D. in Zoology from James Cook University in Queensland, Australia, studying the life history of tropical sharks. From 1993 to 1999 he worked for Fisheries Western Australia as the lead scientist for their Shark Fisheries Research Section, researching the population dynamics of commercially exploited shark populations.

Tonya Wiley - Field Biologist

Tonya is a Staff Biologist at Mote Marine Laboratory's Center for Shark Research. She is responsible for most of the field work that occurs as part of the project, as well as maintaining the Sawfish Encoiunter Database. She has a degree in Marine Fisheries from Texas A&M University and has also worked USGS and Texas Parks and Wildlife.

College interns

College interns are an important part of the Sawfish Research Project, assisting with field and laboratory work. Below you will find photos of some of our interns. If you are interested in applying for a student internship at Mote Marine Laboratory's Center for Shark Research click on the button below.

Mike Harris - University of Michigan