Research
Electromagnetic Fields and Dogfish Shark Behavior
My project at Block Island Maritime Institute was looking at dogfish shark behaviors in reaction to natural magnets (neodymium) in 2023. Then the project developed into something bigger in collaboration with Florida Atlantic University (2024-2025) with Dr. Lauren Simonitis, and University of Rhode Island with Alison Murray. Looking at electromagnetic fields and dogfish shark behavior. Using Image J, and kinematics. This research was presented at several conferences: the ECSC, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania (2025), SWMS, Long Island, New York (2024), and Western Society of Naturalists. Portland, Oregon (2024).
Antonucci J.*, Murray, A., Simonitis L., (2024). " Mapping the Magnetic Fields Produced by an Electromagnet and Observing the Behavioral Effects on Smooth Dogfish Sharks (Mustelus canis)." SWMS, Long Island, New York.
Atlantic Shark Institute: Prehistoric Shark Teeth & BRUVS
I have been a volunteer researcher for Atlantic Shark Institute since 2024 where I assisted ASI with BRUVs work. Including setting up and retrieving the BRUVS from a boat. As well as reviewing footage and recording species.
Currently I serve as the lead on the Narragansett Shark Tooth Project, in Rhode Island. Where I am keeping records and investigating the emerging White Shark Teeth on this specific beach. This project is currently in the process of a poster to be presented at American Elasmobranch Society this summer!
Antonucci, J.S, Dodd, J., Moyer, J., “Records of the Emerging Carcharodon carcharias, White Shark Teeth on Narragansett Town Beach, Narragansett, Rhode Island”. In Progress
Yale Peabody Museum: Prehistoric Shark Tooth Taxonomy
In the fall of 2025, I worked with Yale Peabody Museum to conduct morphology-based identification of prehistoric shark teeth, historical analysis and understanding of localities in California. Reconfirming identifications, and acceptable taxonomic names. This research was presented as a poster at the CREATE Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT in 2025.
Antonucci J.*, Brinkman D., (2025) “Yale Peabody Museum’s Little-Known Collection of Miocene Chondrichthyes Fossils from the Shark tooth Hill Bone Bed and Pyramid Hill Localities, Kern County, California.” CREATE Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT.
Conferences
2025 S-STEM Scholars Meeting, San Diego, California
2025 CREATE Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT
2025 S-STEM Scholars Meeting, San Diego, California
Affiliated with AAAS and NSF (2025)
2025 ECSC, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
2025 CREATE Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT
2025 S-STEM Scholars Meeting, San Diego, California
Antonucci J.*, Murray, A., Simonitis L., (2025). " Mapping the Magnetic Fields Produced by an Electromagnet and Observing the Behavioral Effects on Smooth Dogfish Sharks (Mustelus canis)." ECSC, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
2025 CREATE Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT
2025 CREATE Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT
2025 CREATE Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT
Antonucci J.*, Brinkman D., (2025) “ Yale Peabody Museum’s Little Known Collection of Miocene Chondrichthyes Fossils from the Sharktooth Hill Bone Bed and Pyramid Hill Localities, Kern County, California.” CREATE Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT.
Senna E., Majola S,. Hopkins P., Antonucci J., (2025) “Latitudinal Patterns of Oyster Diversity: Insights from Haplotype Networks Across Temperate, Subtropical, and Tropical Environments” CREATE Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT.
2024 SWMS, Long Island, New York
2024 Western Society of Naturalists. Portland, Oregon
2025 CREATE Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT
Antonucci J.*, Murray, A., Simonitis L., (2024). " Mapping the Magnetic Fields Produced by an Electromagnet and Observing the Behavioral Effects on Smooth Dogfish Sharks (Mustelus canis)." SWMS, Long Island, New York.
2024 Western Society of Naturalists. Portland, Oregon
2024 Western Society of Naturalists. Portland, Oregon
2024 Western Society of Naturalists. Portland, Oregon
Antonucci J.*, Murray, A., Simonitis L., (2024). " Mapping the Magnetic Fields Produced by an Electromagnet and Observing the Behavioral Effects on Smooth Dogfish Sharks (Mustelus canis)." Western Society of Naturalists. Portland, Oregon.
† Jones, A.J.1*; Pednekar, P.D.1; Nielsen, J.2; Antonucci, J.3; Helmuth, B.S.1 (2024).” Armor or Fashion? Different Fine Scale Morphological Mechanisms on the Aboral Surfaces of North American Sea Stars.” Western Society of Naturalists. Portland, Oregon
Marine Mammal Rescue Team
Marine Mammal Rescue Team
Marine Mammal Rescue Team
Working as a Marine Mammal Rescue Volunteer through Mystic Aquarium in Block Island, RI. In June 2024-August 2025 I was able to assist in necropsy procedures of marine animals. Other responsibilities include scientific communication and outreach to the public. Assessment of marine animal rescue calls, taking actions as needed.
Sea Star Research
Marine Mammal Rescue Team
Marine Mammal Rescue Team
In the summer of 2024, I worked with Northeastern University (2024) with PhD candidate Angela Jones going out in the field taking images and measurements of sea stars and using Image J for more measurements. This poster was presented at the Western Society of Naturalists. Portland, Oregon in 2024.
† Jones, A.J.1*; Pednekar, P.D.1; Nielse
In the summer of 2024, I worked with Northeastern University (2024) with PhD candidate Angela Jones going out in the field taking images and measurements of sea stars and using Image J for more measurements. This poster was presented at the Western Society of Naturalists. Portland, Oregon in 2024.
† Jones, A.J.1*; Pednekar, P.D.1; Nielsen, J.2; Antonucci, J.3; Helmuth, B.S.1 (2024).” Armor or Fashion? Different Fine Scale Morphological Mechanisms on the Aboral Surfaces of North American Sea Stars.” Western Society of Naturalists. Portland, Oregon
San Salvador, Bahamas
Marine Mammal Rescue Team
San Salvador, Bahamas
I participated in a research trip in San Salvador, Bahamas through Eastern Connecticut State University in May of 2025.
During this trip we spent each day collecting data on coral reef species preferences based on location of the reef.
This experience allowed for in the field work, water-based skills, working in the lab, and creating experiments with a short time frame.
Publications
First Publication (In Progress)!
Bryson, R., Antonucci, J.S, Santibanez-Lopez, C.E., Graham, M.R. “ A new montane Pseudouroctus species from Monterrey, Mexico”. In Progress.