JoEllen Wilson ~ BTT’s visiting scientist!

JoEllen Wilson ~ BTT’s visiting scientist!

We are happy to welcome JoEllen Wilson as this year’s BTT Scientist who will be joining our Challenge week. JoEllen is BTT’s Juvenile Tarpon Habitat Program Manager, but also knows much about all of our other species under “study”.

JoEllen was born with an obsession for all things saltwater related – especially fishing. She made her boating debut at 5-days-old and had a rod in her hand by the time she could walk. JoEllen grew up fishing Charlotte Harbor with her family which soon influenced family vacations to Australia, Belize, Costa Rica and an annual Keys trip – with the intermittent snowboard trip out west. Her fascination for fishing and guidance from her father ultimately led to a career in marine science. JoEllen held a position with Florida’s management agency (FWC) and spent time in the field volunteering with FWC and Mote Marine Laboratory. After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree from Florida Gulf Coast University, JoEllen was hired as BTT’s first membership administrator and research assistant.  She has completed her Master’s Degree in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences from the University of Florida (Go Gators!) and her research focuses on Juvenile Tarpon Habitat Use. A self-proclaimed “aquaholic”, JoEllen spends her free time fishing Charlotte Harbor with her husband and their two dogs.

Bio from BTT Website