I\u2019m Jonee, a marine biologist with NOAA certifications in marine mammal identification and a lifelong commitment to ocean conservation. My work began in the Caribbean, where I volunteered with government agencies as a youth to help monitor and protect endangered leatherback sea turtles. That early experience shaped my passion for species protection and coastal stewardship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before entering the marine biology field, I served in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Ordnanceman and Weapons Specialist. My service instilled deep discipline, resilience, and mission\u2011focused work. I was responsible for the handling, maintenance, and readiness of complex weapons systems a role that demanded precision, accountability, and the ability to perform under pressure. The Navy deepened my operational awareness, strengthened my attention to detail, and taught me to operate confidently in high\u2011stakes, mission\u2011critical environments. These qualities continue to define my approach to scientific research and field operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Professionally, I\u2019ve conducted marine mammal surveys and environmental assessments across naval bases and civilian seaports, supporting safe and responsible maritime operations in sensitive habitats. Today, I work in a university research lab with Dr. Dan Barshis, contributing to coral stress\u2011response studies and research involving the Coral Bleaching Automated Stress System (CBASS). My path brings together early conservation roots, military\u2011honed precision, hands\u2011on field science, and experimental marine research to help protect and strengthen marine ecosystems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond my professional life, I\u2019m a wife and mother of two beautiful daughters. My husband served as a U.S. Marine for over fourteen years, and together we\u2019ve built a family grounded in service, resilience, and dedication. That foundation continues to inspire my work and the values I bring to every environment I\u2019m part of.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I\u2019m Jonee, a marine biologist with NOAA certifications in marine mammal identification and a lifelong commitment to ocean conservation. My work began in the Caribbean, where I volunteered with government agencies as a youth to help monitor and protect endangered leatherback sea turtles. That early experience shaped my passion for species protection and coastal stewardship. … Continue reading About Me<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23831,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/joneegrant\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/217"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/joneegrant\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/joneegrant\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/joneegrant\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23831"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/joneegrant\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=217"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/joneegrant\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/217\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":629,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/joneegrant\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/217\/revisions\/629"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/joneegrant\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=217"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}