 |
 |
|
The Team
The PIT 2007 Crew |
|
|
Joey (aka the Kingpin) DiBattista -
This is my second year of coming to PIT. Looking forward to dealing with live sharks, and not little pieces of tissue floating around in vials, for a change. The real ones can bite, although they usually don’t. Adversity is what makes the man (or woman), and so the storms, bugs, pressure, and rigors of field work will separate the men (and women) from the boys (or girls). |
|
|
Khrissy Bonham -
My name is Khrissy. I’m a California girl, born and raised, but now I keep it east coast style. I enjoy long walks on the beach, climbing trees, and collecting slugs. I’m new to the BBFS, but I’ve already had a chance to play with a few sharkies; No bites yet! |
|
|
Jana Rajnohova -
Hi, this is my first time at the Lab but not my first stay on Bimini. I've already had two beautiful and unforgettable experience on Bimini. It's truly amazing to return to this incredible and wonderful place, this time as a volunteer. I am so excited and happy to be here, joining the crew for PIT and helping with other amazing research. I hope to gain a lot of experience, both in and out of the field, increase my knowledge about sharks, marine life and the surrounding environment, get an adrenaline rush, and also learn a lot from the great people of BBFS. I am from the mountainous country Slovakia. Next year I graduate from High School and hopefully I'll be going to University and studying biology or environmental science. I am interested in marine biology, especially conservation and often look into environmental issues. One of the most important goals of my stay here at the Sharklab is to work on the issue regarding Bimini Bay project. This project threatens the fragile and unique environment of Bimini, and destroys one of the most important habitats: the irreplaceable mangrove ecosystem. I am highly motivated to help save Bimini and persuade the government to establish the MPA. I am really grateful for the chance to be here...Big thanks to Doc, Bill and my family! |
|
|
Wilson (aka Tower of Power) Hambrick -
My purpose here at the lab is to control the spread of a new invasive species here on Bimini – the British. I am descended from a highly potent lineage of large and in-charge Ameri-CANS, not Ameri-CANTS, that have worked here at the lab, including Grant Johnson, Magic Johnson, and Tony Blair. REPRESENT! (Three snaps!!!) I’m not as afraid of sharks as I am of short people. I am lovin’ life ladies and gentlemen, and I’ll do the AL Stomp until I die. On behalf of the PIT 2007 Crew, we dedicate this one to ‘BAMA.
|
|
|
Adam (aka Cream) Parr -
Hi my name is Adam and here at the Bimini Biological Field Station we live the dream 24/7 365. I’m so excited to be involved with PIT 2007, I am literally like a young child before Christmas.
Grasping juvenile lemon sharks is defiantly in my top 10 most invigorating things to do and after PIT will hopefully be in my top 7.
As one of the core members of team England I will try too ensure that the juveniles have a happy transition into the commonwealth just as Canada and America did when we invented them.
But on a serious note, Gods speed to all involved with PIT and hopefully we will cheat death and all return home safe and sound.
|
|
|
Candice (aka Candy-ass) Eastwood -
I’m Canadian. My favorite color is blue. I love sharks. Hate is a strong word, but I use it occasionally. I have an irrational fear of fire extinguishers. Everything I own is on a shelf to the left, to the left of my bed. When I grow up I want to be an Eskimo. My favorite things include Boys II Men, Cheerleaders, Lego, Thermoses and the enjoyable Wilson Hambrick. This is PIT, b*tches, deal with it! |
|
|
Kristine (aka Kri-tire) Stump -
TL: 165cm
Sex: F
Location: 25°41.787 N, 79°17.787 W
Recap: Yes (2000, 2005, 2006, 2007)
Umbilical Scar: Closed
Condition on Release: Swims away well, but continually returns to Bimini for more workups. Appears to enjoy sunburn, extreme humidity and sand flies. Particularly fond of being informed by Team England that jelly is jam, cookies are biscuits, soccer is football, and that Yanks are generally wrong (about everything). |
|
|
James (aka Oxford) Lea -
I am another member of the presiding team England at the lab. I have
been living the dream here for over a month now, and while not
dominating the local shark population my hobbies include foraging,
sleeping, eating, crimping and the occasional snack. I have always had
an unhealthy obsession with sharks, so the prospect of handling hordes
of juveniles during PIT 2007 is a dream come true.
|
|
|
Graeme (aka Grayhound) Hawkins -
When asked to describe me Big Dog said; “He’s cool, a gangster and likes rap. Yeah and he’s a pimp, with lots of money, expensive clothes and plenty of blings. And he rides dirty.”
I don’t understand the last part but I like Marvin and hope he is kind.
When I asked Tristan if he needed any help I never imagined I’d wash up so much but also that I’d have sharks butting up against my face mask, swim with 6ft reefs and generally have such a jolly good time. Cheerio.
|
|
|
Tiffany Weidner -
I’m Tiffany Weidner, originally hailing from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; however I find myself going more and more south in search of fins to the left and fins to the right. My obsession with sharks began probably around the age of three and has continued into my 21st year of life. Some crazy facts about me: I play the bagpipes, terrified of ducks, allergic to orange soda, and do yoga on a regular basis. |
|
|
Katie (aka Kat) Gledhill -
Hi, I'm Kat, the Co-Lab manager of the BBFS. I hail from Sydney, Austrailia but have come to love my new home in the Bahamas. Keeping the lab running can be a challenging job, but the many experiences and people I have encountered here are reward enough.
|
|
|
Tyler (aka Ryan) Hulock -
I'm a Marine Science student at Coastal Carolina University. I am
originally
from Chesapeake, Virginia in the good old USA. I've always had a love
for
sharks which is how I ended up here. I love it here in Bimini and the
opportunities to work these amazing animals make the long nights well
worth it.
|
|
|
Christian (aka Spanks) Pankow -
For me this is PIT the sequel. You know what they say about sequels, mostly they aren't as good as the original. Well if you call star-filled nights of gill-netting wonderment not as good, then perhaps you haven't seen the sawfish that ripped us a new one. It is living the dream no doubt, however, I hadn't realized the dream would involve so much 5200 epoxy and marine grease. I'm excited and confident in this team. It is one *expletive* of a good team! They say there is no I in team. There is also no I in lemon shark which is how I'm gonna keep it and not get bit again. |
|
|
Chris (aka Moscow) Crook -
Camberley, England
People seem to like me because I’m polite and am rarely late. I like to eat ice cream and really enjoy a nice pair of slacks. Years later a doctor will tell me that I have an IQ of 48, and am what some people call “mentally retarded”. This is my second visit to the lab, but it’s my first time for PIT. If sharks are what float your boat then this is most definitely the place to be. Things I’m looking forward to this PIT are wrangling some of the biggest sharks known to man (albeit in shrunken form), 24hour working days and returning each trip with a full set of fingers. I am also a member of the septuplet group that makes up team England. God save the Queen.
|
|
|
Judith Bakker -
Hi, I am Judith from Amsterdam and I am at the lab to work on a project for my masters in marine biology. My regular hobbies include wearing clogs, growing tulips, making hash brownies and foraging like a wildebeast. This is going to be my first PIT and I am really excited about it. In the future I hope to start my PhD in shark research and work with more great silly crazy people.
Tulips are red
Sharks are blue
My clogs would look good on you
|
|
|
Steve (aka Sweet cheeks) Kessel -
London England
Champ here. I'm all about havin' fun. You know, get a couple of cocktails in me, start a fire in someone's kitchen. Maybe go to SeaWorld, take my pants off. Anyway, I've become kind of famous for my signature catchphrase, "Whammy!" As in, "Gene Tenace at the plate... and whammy!" Whammy!
Personal info:
Height: 6’2”
Favorite Colour: Green
Favorite Food: Big Mac
Special Move: Standing kick
Turn Ons: Lemon sharks
Turn Offs: Girls riding bicycles
|
|
|
Matt (aka Paparazzi) Potenski -
Another year, another trip to Bimini for PIT. My camera and I are back at it this year - bringing the entire PIT experience to you via the wonders of the internet. Sit back and strap your seatbelts on - its going to be another wild ride - hope you all enjoy it!
|
|
|
Ben (aka Frenchy) Swan -
It's hard living the dream when your not getting any sleep. but that's exactly what happens here at the BBFS! its always been my ambition to have an awesome shark bite scar to impress the ladies and I'm sure long nights and lack of sleep will help me achieve that goal.
Being a member of Team Empire i will be making sure all the new juvenile sharks pledge their allegiance to the queen and the Commonwealth.
seriously though, I came here to play with sharks so PIT is going to be an amazing experience, we have an awesome crew and have been seeing loads of newborns lately so we should be having some very busy nights!
|
|
|
Tristan (aka Trigger) Guttridge -
My name is Tristan Leonard Guttridge. I was born in Spalding, England on the 26th May 1982. My first visit to the Lab was back in January 2005 as a volunteer and i loved every moment. I am now currently completing my PhD research here investigating the social organisation and behaviour of the lemon shark. Sharks are my passion and have been fascinated by them since i was a young boy. The tagging regime that we are in the midst of at the moment is a fantastic experience - this is my 3rd - it brings about numerous emotional, spiritual, religious and physical challenges. I think for me the best thing about it is seeing the sharks schooling in the main tagging pen at the end of the capture periods. There is nothing quite like snorkeling with 100 sharks!! |
|
|
Sabrina Garcia -
So after about four years I have finally made to the Shark Lab. I am a rising senior at the University of Miami studying marine science and biology. I love sharks (like everyone else here) and hope to be around them as much as possible. If there is shark diving or longlining going on count me in. I enjoy beaches, ice cream, and refreshing beverages - sometimes all at the same time. Five minute salty showers are right up my alley. I hope when I leave this place I never have to fix another gill net but I highly doubt it. I hope to gain as much experience here to hopefully go on to receive a Master’s on some aspect of shark research after I finish my undergrad.
|
|
| Tiphanie Dillon -
Hi, I'm Tiph from Cali and this is my 1st time here at the Sharklab. I've never worked with sharks before so this is a new and exciting experience. I have already been able to conquer any fears I had with sharks. Unfortuneately, my fear of sharks has been replaced with a fear of sand flies and horse flies. I can't wait to use the knowledge I gain here in the future, but until then i will continue having fun and working hard. For all you future shark-labbers out there, here are a few pointers. Bring clothes you won't be afraid to ruin and simply toss at the end of your stay, give some love to Indy and Rat dog, and be prepared to deal with lots of Brits.
|
|
|
Emily Marcus -
Hi guys. This is my second PIT and I am happy to be back in the mix. I'm originally from Silver Spring, Maryland
and I just graduated from Coastal Carolina University with a B.S. in marine science. i love sharks, working at the lab, and living on an island. Hi Jim!!!
|
|
|
Doc -
I'm Doc and they tie boats to me. To read my bio, Click Here. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
