Meet the Scientists

Name:  James Morris
Occupation:  Marine Ecologist
Place of Business:  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

E-mail: james.morris@noaa.gov
Phone: 252-728-8782

How did you become interested in your field and working with invasive species?
I grew up on the banks of North Carolina in a fifth-generation commercial fishing family.  I don’t remember the first time I became interested in marine science.  My father took me to work with him when I was a little boy, and that meant shrimping, oystering or clamming.  I’ve always enjoyed learning about marine organisms, especially how they make a living in the sea.  When it was time to choose a major in college, I naturally chose marine science.  It was what I knew and what fascinated me.

I began working on invasive lionfish soon after they showed up off the coast of North Carolina.  My research on invasive species also includes invasive tunicates in New England, Asian oysters, other non-native marine fishes and development of an early detection and rapid response program in south Florida.

What do you do?
I am an ecologist.  My work involves research on invasive species and marine aquaculture.  I develop research questions aimed at understanding how invasions occur and how invaders might impact our native environments.  My days consist of conducting field and laboratory studies, analyzing data and writing research articles.

What do you like about your job?
I enjoy learning about new things and tackling complex problems.  Invasive species ecology is integrated, requiring knowledge of both the ecology and life history of the invader.  I also enjoy working as a member of a research team and learning from others.

What advice would you give students who are interested in science?
Get experience.  Do internships, volunteer and learn what it’s like to work in the science field. .