George Bonsall

I am a volunteer Graduate Research Assistant in the Barshis Lab pursuing a Master of Science in Biology.  My research is focused on understanding the biology and ecology of coral reef systems.  The U.S. Navy and Naval Academy waylaid my plans to study marine biology, but did allow me to complete basic SCUBA qualifications.  I studied General Engineering at Navy and completed my Engineer-in-Training certification.  I retired from the Navy after commanding USS STOUT (DDG-55) and USS SENTRY (MCM-3), as well as instructing at “TopGun,” though I am not an aviator.  My last post was as Operations & Plans Officer for the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, which included oversight of the Navy’s operational explosive ordnance disposal, salvage and construction divers and marine mammal systems operational schedules.  I completed graduate degrees in operations research, military art & science and business administration while in uniform.  After leaving, I supported several business and operations analysis projects as a program manager for the Navy, and completed project management certifications.  As a student at Old Dominion, I supported the Philippine Partnership in Research & Education Project, a fish genomics and biodiversity project, including Summer ’22 fieldwork on the Philippine islands of Negros, Cuyo, and Luzon.  I completed an Autumn ’22 conservation leadership internship at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.  I am a qualified PADI Master SCUBA Diver and AAUS Scientific Diver.

Contact: gbons002@odu.edu