Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium has named Dr. Demian Chapman as senior scientist and new director of its Center for Shark Research. Chapman will also serve as the manager for the Sharks & Rays Conservation Research Program, and hold the title of Perry W. Gilbert Chair in shark research. The previous program manager, Dr. Robert Hueter, has retired, but remains involved with Mote as a senior scientist emeritus. 

Most recently, Chapman held the role of associate professor at Florida International University (FIU) in the biological science department and was the lead scientist for the international initiative Global FinPrint, the world’s largest-ever shark survey. At Mote, Chapman will build upon the lessons learned from FinPrint, as well as the legacy of Mote’s longstanding shark program, which famously began with Mote's founder Dr. Eugenie Clark.