WhySharksMatter, AKA U Miami PhD student David Shiffman, is competing for a scholarship to help support his research on the ecological importance of sharks to coral reefs.  David is still a student but is one of the most prolific and talented bloggers in the ocean blogs universe.  He is one of the trio of super-talented bloggers that runs Southern Fried Science.

David also helps run his lab’s citizen science program, which has taken over 1,000 high school students and teachers into the field to learn about sharks and participate in an active research program.

Emmett and I think David is a perfect role model for up-and-coming scientists that understand the importance of outreach and tech-savvy communications. His work has certainly inspired us and we vote for this blogging hero early and often!

Vote for WhySharksMatter here!