Research Team & Partners

Research Team

Combining expertise in marine biology, tracking technology, and conservation science, our research team works to uncover the mysteries of these gentle giants—studying their movements, behavior, and the threats they face. Through cutting-edge research and collaboration, we aim to protect whale sharks and ensure their survival for future generations.

Jonathan Green

PROJECT FOUNDER & DIRECTOR

Jonathan R. Green is a science graduate of the University of North London. He has worked for nearly three decades in the Galapagos Islands and has several thousand dives in the surrounding waters. An early fascination with whale sharks led to the founding of the Galapagos Whale Shark Project with a view to better understanding the part Galapagos plays in their life cycle.

He is an elected Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society of London and when not in the Galapagos works on expedition vessels in the Polar Regions. He also teaches photography workshops in destinations around the world and has won several international awards.

Dr. Alex Hearn

CO-FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST

Dr. Alex Hearn is a Professor and Researcher at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) and the Galapagos Science Center since 2015. He obtained his BSc in Oceanography and Marine Biology from the University of Southampton, UK; and his MSc and PhD from Heriot-Watt University in the Orkney Islands. He has worked in the Galapagos Islands since 2002 on fisheries research and management, and spearheaded the development of the Shark Research Program since 2006. He is a founding member and current Board President of the regional research network, MigraMar. Alex was made co-champion of the Mission Blue Galapagos Hope Spot in 2020.

His current projects include using acoustic and satellite telemetry to establish the migratory pathways of sharks, evaluating the movement ecology of the pelagic assemblage around oceanic islets, and monitoring shark nursery grounds. Alex has published over 70 peer review research articles and over a dozen book chapters. He recently led the multi-institutional team of biologists to develop a blueprint for improved conservation of the open waters outside the Galapagos Marine Reserve, a process which resulted in the creation of the new Hermandad Reserve in 2022.

Sofia M. Green

RESEARCHER & DATA ANALYST

Sofía Green, an Ecuadorian marine biologist, has been deeply connected to the Galapagos Islands since childhood, fueling her passion for ocean conservation. Since 2017, she has worked with the Galapagos Whale Shark Project (GWSP) as a research assistant and data analyst. She holds an international master’s degree in Marine Biological Resources (IMBRSea) with a focus on conservation and ecology.

Sofía believes in the power of images to inspire change, using wildlife photography to reconnect people with nature. As she states, “People can only protect what they know and love.”

Beyond GWSP, she works in outdoor education for the local community and has contributed to projects on marine invasive species, plastic pollution, sea turtle conservation, and ecological monitoring in the Galapagos.

Jenny Green

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Since 2017, Jenny Waack has been a dedicated member of the Galapagos Whale Shark Project, contributing her expertise in various capacities, including field research, media management, and web design. Originally from Germany, Jenny holds a degree in Business Administration and is a Certified International Investment Analyst. She spent many years working in investment and retail banking before transitioning to marine conservation, driven by her profound passion for the ocean and whale sharks.

Jenny’s commitment to conservation extends beyond research. As the founder of Galapagos Shark Diving, she has created a unique platform that supports crucial research projects in the Galapagos, including the Galapagos Whale Shark Project. All profits from Galapagos Shark Diving go directly into funding whale shark research, raising awareness, and involving the public through Citizen Science programs. Her goal is to inspire a deeper understanding and commitment to marine conservation through immersive and meaningful diving experiences.

Martin Narváez

RESEARCH ASSISTANT & INTERN

Martín Narváez is a marine biologist and naturalist from Quito, Ecuador, specializes in outreach and outdoor exploration. With experience leading cetacean research expeditions, he has also conducted marine mammal observations with the Ecuadorian Army and the National Institute of Oceanography of Ecuador.

His dedication to conservation and education has driven him to lead immersive outdoor educational programs in the Galapagos Islands. His experience in the field extends from self-supported multi-day whitewater kayaking expeditions in the Amazon to scientific diving and underwater media production. He holds certifications in wilderness advanced first aid, divemaster and level II freediver.

Board Members

Dominick Vetrano

FINANCE
Actively involved in the financial services industry for over 35 years, Mr. Vetrano founded Fountainhead Financial LLC in 2003. Prior to Fountainhead, he was Principal & Chief Compliance Officer with Clune & Associates. Mr. Vetrano serves as Treasurer on the Board of the 2800 Lake Shore Drive Condominium Association. He is Treasurer & Board Member of the Galapagos Whale Shark Project. Dominick holds a BA in Finance and History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP); a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU); a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC/CFC); a Registered Health Underwriter (RHU); a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
Jennifer Garnett

LEGAL
Jennifer Garnett is a graduate of Harvard Law School and an attorney licensed by the State of New York. She helped incorporate the Galapagos Whale Shark Project as a nonprofit organization for scientific research and education, and currently serves as its President. She worked for a number of years in corporate law with Covington & Burling LLP before leaving to pursue travel and diving. She has since logged more than 250 dives and is an avid underwater photographer, contributing whale shark identification photos to the research efforts. She is also an experienced freediver and an advocate for ecotourism that furthers marine conservation efforts and environmental education. When not underwater, she prefers to be on the trail or dancing.
Susan Adie

GENERAL SUPPORT
Susan, a lifelong nature enthusiast from New York's Finger Lakes region, holds a BS in Natural Resources Conservation from Cornell University. Her career began with educational initiatives for the CU Lab of Ornithology and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. In 1985, she founded Northwind Nature Education Opportunities, earning the National Wildlife Federation's Outdoor Educator of the Year award. An experienced Expedition Leader, she has led hundreds of ship-based expeditions, including North Pole journeys and polar circumnavigations. From 2010-2020, she managed operations for the G Expedition, promoting sustainable tourism. Susan is now semi-retired, consulting and serving on conservation boards.

Collaborating Scientists & Volunteers

Dr. Chris Rohner

Marine Megafauna Foundation
Dr. Chris Rohner is a principal scientist at the Marine Megafauna Foundation. He completed his PhD on whale sharks in 2012 and has continued his research on marine megafauna with projects around the globe. With a primary research goal of gathering ecological information on threatened species to aid their conservation, Chris has explored various scientific topics. His main research themes are movement ecology, feeding ecology, and population trend analyses of marine megafauna, as well as spatial planning for sharks. To examine these topics, Chris employs methods such as population modeling, telemetry using satellite, acoustic and behavioral tags, and biochemical analyses. His work spans projects focusing on whale sharks, manta and mobula rays, billfishes, and turtles.
Dr. Simon Pierce

Marine Megafauna Foundation
Dr. Simon Pierce founded MMF’s flagship research program on whale sharks, and is now studying these gentle giants in seven countries. His work on the population ecology and management of this iconic species has made him the world’s top whale shark conservation biologist. In 2016, Simon led a research team whose efforts resulted in whale sharks being recognized as globally endangered for the first time on the IUCN Red List. He is also a scientific advisor to the online global whale shark database (www.whaleshark.org), regional co-chair of the IUCN Shark Specialist Group, and supervising multiple PhD students working on threatened marine species.
Rui Matsumoto, PhD

Okinawa Churashima Foundation Research Institute
Rui, Laboratory Head of the Zoology Laboratory, earned his PhD in 2007 from Hokkaido University for his research on the phylogenetics of hammerhead sharks. Since 2009, he has been involved in the exhibition and biological research of large elasmobranchs, including whale sharks and manta rays, at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, operated by the Okinawa ChurashimaFoundation. He has reported groundbreaking findings on the sexual maturity of whale sharks and the reproduction of reef manta rays. The expertise in animal health management developed at the aquarium is considered instrumental in advancing physiological research on wild elasmobranchs, such as whale sharks. In this project, he is focusing on elucidating the reproductive ecology of whale sharks.
Kiyomi Murakumo

Okinawa Churashima Foundation Research Institute
Kiyomi Murakumo has been a dedicated veterinary team member at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium since 2009, bringing a background in medical care from her previous experience as a nurse. She combines her medical expertise with a passion for marine life, focusing on the health and physiological research of elasmobranchs, including sharks and rays. Her work supports vital insights into the biology and conservation of these species, enhancing both care practices and scientific knowledge within the Galapagos Whale Shark Project.Kiyomi Murakumo has been a dedicated veterinary team member at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium since 2009, bringing a background in medical care from her previous experience as a nurse. She combines her medical expertise with a passion for marine life, focusing on the health and physiological research of elasmobranchs, including sharks and rays. Her work supports vital insights into the biology and conservation of these species, enhancing both care practices and scientific knowledge within the Galapagos Whale Shark Project.
Laura Fritschi

SOCIAL MEDIA
Laura is a marine biologist and conservationist at heart, with a strong academic background as a zoologist and evolutionary biologist, gained through her studies in Switzerland. Her lifelong fascination with the vibrant marine world, with its dazzling colors and shapes, led her to begin her journey as a dive instructor in Indonesia, where she gained hands-on experience exploring the wonders of the ocean.
She later contributed to the Baltic Sea Shepherd Campaign, where she worked on recovering ghost nets to protect marine ecosystems. Following her academic achievements, Laura joined the Galapagos Whale Shark Project, collaborating to deepen understanding and conservation efforts for these majestic creatures.
Passionate about highlighting the ocean's profound impact on our lives, Laura is dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of whale sharks and inspiring individuals to take action for a healthier planet.