Our Scientists

By haley.randall@…, 31 January, 2024

The scientists of the National Systematics Laboratory are an integral part of NOAA Fisheries and its mission. They contribute applied science to the agency as well as research that benefits the broader fields of systematics and biodiversity.

Each member of the lab has their own area or areas of expertise. Explore the profiles below to meet our current scientists and learn more about their work!

A smiling man.

 

Allen G. Collins, Ph.D.

Laboratory Director

Biodiversity of Sponges & Jellies

A woman holds a tray of fish.

 

Katherine E. Bemis, Ph.D.

Research Zoologist

Biodiversity of Pufferfishes & Relatives

A man with glasses and a gray beard holding a flounder in each hand.

 

Thomas A. Munroe, Ph.D.

Senior Research Zoologist

Biodiversity & Conservation of Flatfishes

A smiling woman with short hair in a yellow shirt.

 

Martha Nizinski, Ph.D.

Research Zoologist

Biodiversity of Deep Reef Communities

A woman in an orange jacket smiles at the camera while holding a large silver fish.

 

Abby Reft, Ph.D.

Museum Specialist

Collections and Research Support

A woman in a green shirt with the NOAA logo takes a selfie.

 

La’Shaun Willis

Museum Technician

Technical and Administrative Support