Dr. Rob Javonillo holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in marine biology from Boston University and the College of Charleston, respectively. His Ph.D. research at George Washington University and the Smithsonian Institution focused on the reproductive biology and phylogenetics of South American freshwater fishes. Rob taught biology at Coppin State University and Morgan State University, both HBCUs in Baltimore, Maryland. He is currently an Associate Research Scientist in the School of the Environment, where he is interested in career pathways in sustainability and conservation, as well as food systems. He serves on the Board of Trustees for the Nature Conservancy in Connecticut and enjoys life in southern New England.