Justin Grubich

PROFILE

Justin Grubich leads Pew’s work to develop and implement science-based policy and management goals that promote the resilience of coastal and freshwater habitats, protect biodiversity, and foster sustainable use of natural resources in the Southeast United States. Grubich helps build collaborations with scientists, policymakers, recreational fishing organizations, and local communities to implement evidence-based strategies that ensure healthy habitats for future generations. He previously worked to improve the management of Florida forage fish species and the food webs they support as well as to protect the largest seagrass meadow along Florida’s Big Bend and Nature Coast regions. Grubich also led scientific research in fish evolution and ecology. His studies shed light on the adaptive mechanisms and evolutionary processes in aquatic environments, work that included developing innovative approaches to gain insights into fish behavior and species diversity.  

Before joining Pew, Grubich was an assistant professor of marine biology at the American University in Cairo, an American Association for the Advancement of Science fellow, and a National Geographic explorer who led Nile and Amazon river documentary expeditions.

Grubich holds a bachelor’s degree in marine biology from the University of Miami and a doctorate in evolution and ecology from Florida State University.