Konnor M. Payne

Konnor Payne began studying marine science in high school at the Marine Academy of Science and Technology (MAST). While at MAST, he interned at the James J. Howard Marine Laboratory for three years most notably running a project investigating the mercury offload of spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) to their pups.

Since then, Konnor graduated from the University of Miami – Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS) in 2021 with a B.S. in Marine Science and Biology with a minor in Math. While at RSMAS he was a research intern for Shark Research and Conservation under the direction of Dr. Neil Hammerschlag. He was involved with this organization by helping to collect data on shark biology and ecology to further conservation efforts regarding shark habitats.

Konnor joined the Fisheries and Conservation Biology Lab at Moss Landing Marine Labs in Fall 2021. He is interested in researching MPA effectiveness and population dynamics through mathematical modeling. When not in the lab he enjoys scuba diving, free diving, tennis and hiking.