Shawn Martin, M.Sc

Shawn Martin, M.Sc has a diverse work experience. Shawn began their career in 1998 as an Infantry Team Leader in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division, where they were responsible for the training of a 3 man team and served as the Unit Armorer for headquarters company (HHC). In 2006, Martin began working as a Supervisor of Research at the University of South Florida on a grant funded longitudinal study for Dr. Mark S. Goldman. In 2007, they became a Research Fellow at the Lois De la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, where they conducted a policy and procedural evaluation of the Family Dependency Treatment court in Hillsborough County Florida’s 13th Judicial Circuit Court. From 2014 to 2018, Martin held various roles in the industry, including Captain and SCUBA Instructor at Lost Reef Adventures Inc., Instructor at Southpoint Divers, and Project Scientist and AAUS Dive Safety Officer at Sandra Walter's Consulting. In 2016, they became the Distillery Manager at Papa's Pilar Rum, where they were the head distiller, blender, and innovation lead for the Key West distillery and oversaw and managed all aspects of the rum making process. In 2018, Martin began teaching as an Adjunct Professor at Florida Keys Community College, where they taught Basic Research Diving and Marine Data Collection.

Shawn Martin, M.Sc has an extensive educational background. Shawn obtained a Master of Science (MS) in Marine Biology & Coastal Zone Management (Double Major) from Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center between 2010 and 2014. In 2011, they also obtained a Certificate in Coastal Studies from the same institution. Between 2005 and 2007, they obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology from the University of South Florida. In addition, they have a Level 2 Award in Spirits from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. Shawn also has a number of certifications from various organizations, including a Master Captain, 100 ton with assisted towing from the U.S. Coast Guard (obtained in 2015), Tec Rec Gas Blender from PADI (obtained in 2014), AWARE Coral Reef Conservation Specialty Instructor from PADI (obtained in 2014), Emergency First Response Instructor from Emergency First Response (obtained in 2014), PADI SCUBA Instructor from PADI (obtained in 2014), Peak Performance Buoyancy Instructor from PADI (obtained in 2014), Project AWARE Instructor from PADI (obtained in 2014), Basic Keel Boat operations from US Sailing, Diver Master from PADI, Nitrox Diver from PADI, and Rescue Diver from PADI.