OUR TEAM

CO-FOUNDERS

JOTH DAVIS, PhD

Joth is a long-term, affiliate Professor at the University of Washington, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (SAFS), where he co-advises MS and PhD students and collaborates with SAFS faculty on shellfish aquaculture-related research projects. Joth is also the owner of Baywater Shellfish Company, one of our shareholders, and co-owner of Hood Canal Mariculture, the only combined shellfish and seaweed farming company in Washington. Joth also serves as Senior Scientist with the Puget Sound Restoration Fund, is a member of the Board of Directors of the Pacific Research Institute, and is a long-term member and former President (2009-2011) of the National Shellfisheries Association. Joth earned a B.A. in Environmental Studies at Colby College, a Masters in Environmental Studies at Yale University and a Ph.D. in Fisheries Sciences from the University of Washington. 

DENNIS HEDGECOCK

Dennis Hedgecock earned a B.S. in Biology magna cum laude from St. Mary’s College, California, in 1970, and a PhD in Genetics, from the University of California, Davis, in 1974. Following a 30-year career at UC Davis, Hedgecock completed another 16 years with the University of Southern California, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, where he is now the Paxson H. Offield Emeritus Professor in Fisheries Ecology. At USC, he served as Head of the Marine Environmental Biology Section, Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences, and Interim Divisional Dean for Natural Sciences and Mathematics in Dornsife College. Hedgecock has published over 140 scholarly articles on the genetics of fish and shellfish, is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, an Honored Life Member of the National Shellfisheries Association, and a member of several other scientific societies. He serves on the editorial boards of Aquaculture and the Journal of Shellfish Research.

LEADERSHIP

MELISSA DELLATORRE

Melissa has a background in aquaculture, marine genetics and physiology. She earned a Master’s degree in Toxicology and a PhD focused on resilience to environmental stressors in marine invertebrate larvae. She has grown from a technician to CEO at Pacific Hybreed, motivated to improve shellfish farming productivity and sustainability.

FRANCIS PAN

Francis leads Pacific Hybreed’s research as their Chief Science Officer.  He earned a B.S. in Zoology, a M.S. in Fisheries Sciences and Aquaculture, and a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences.  Francis studied shellfish physiology and genetics as a research fellow at the University of Southern California and has published scholarly articles with over 800 total citations.  His passion is in sustainable food production and thrives in advancing the science to improve shellfish farming.

STAFF

MEGAN FELLSTROM

Megan‘s passion for the ocean began at a young age, spending early mornings shelling on every beach vacation. This love for marine life led her to pursue a B.S. in Marine Biology from the University of Washington. With a strong foundation in marine science and interest in food systems, Megan is eager to contribute to the advancement of aquaculture. When she’s not working, Megan enjoys crocheting, spending time outdoors, and weightlifting.

WILL HADLEY

Will comes from an academic and professional background in intertidal ecology, North Pacific commercial fisheries, and chemical research. He enjoys learning how the physical environment can impact life within different aquatic systems and what the results mean for human populations and industry. When he is not working, Will takes ample time to hike, scuba dive, tidepool, and whatever else outdoors. 
 
Samuel Tuhy

SAMUEL TUHY

Sam grew up in Kealakekua on the Big Island of Hawai’i and has fostered a love of the ocean his entire life. He gained experience in Aquaculture and algae farming at Blue Ocean Barns in Kailua-Kona. He feels it is his kuleana to give back to the community and land that raised him and he’s passionate about contributing to the fight against climate change. When he’s not working he likes to be outside and in the ocean, hiking, diving, or surfing.

GillianPic

GILLIAN DOUGLAS

Gillian grew up in the Pacific Northwest with her ocean loving family spending time in and around the Puget Sound. Following her ocean upbringing, Gillian landed at California Polytechnic institute (SLO) and completed her B.S in Marine Sciences where she discovered her passion for aquaculture and sustainable seafood production. Here she was introduced to the shellfish industry as a sustainable farming solution and her love of oysters began. Gillian is thrilled to be contributing to the industry as a team member at Pacific Hybreed.

Cole

COLE SHARBONOW

As a graduate from Humboldt State University, Cole studied in ecology, water systems, and sustainability. His passion for aquaculture started with his love of the oceans and fishing. He is very interested in responsible aquaculture and farming practices that protect biodiversity and water quality. Through our company’s work, he aims to support sustainable seafood production for future generations!