Discover Naeem Willett, a Fish Biologist Expert
In the heart of the Southeast Fisheries Science Center, a dedicated researcher is making significant strides in understanding the life cycles of various marine species. This individual, whose main focus is sectioning and aging fish otoliths, or ear bones, hails from Bellport, Long Island, New York.
After completing a Bachelor's of Science degree in Biology from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in 2003, they continued their academic journey, earning a Master's of Science degree from Delaware State University in 2009. These Historically Black Colleges and Universities provided a solid foundation for their career in marine biology.
Their work supports the Life History and Biology Branch of the Fisheries Assessment, Technology, Engineering, and Survey Division. This role involves processing primary species such as red snapper, scamp grouper, gag grouper, golden tilefish, and blueline tilefish, among others.
In addition to their work at the science center, they have been involved in numerous research projects. One such project was a Natural Resource Damage Assessment for a Gulf sturgeon research project in the Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. They have also assisted with other projects such as the GULFSPAN shark survey.
Outside of work, this researcher enjoys spending time with their family and their dog Brutis. They are also an avid pool player, participating in an amateur 9-ball pool league and even playing in the American Pool Players Association National team tournament in Las Vegas in 2021.
Following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, they moved from Delaware to Florida, where they currently reside and continue their work at the Southeast Fisheries Science Center. They are now a Senior Research Associate for the Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, contributing to the understanding and conservation of marine life.
They expanded their field of interest beyond marine biology and delved into health-and-wellness, participating in an amateur 9-ball pool league, and even representing the American Pool Players Association National team in a tournament in Las Vegas in 2021. Furthermore, their passion for fitness-and-exercise was evident when they participated in various research projects, such as the GULFSPAN shark survey, which required physical stamina and field expertise. Lastly, their contribution to science extended to sports, as they conducted a Natural Resource Damage Assessment for a Gulf sturgeon research project, aiding in the protection and rehabilitation of these aquatic creatures in the Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
