Affiliation: Walla Walla University

Jefferson (Jesse) Humbert received his undergraduate degrees from Walla Walla University before completing his Master's in Marine Biology. Jesse has long been interested in the behavior and ecological influence of octopuses. Octopuses are rarely observed in the wild due to their cryptic lifestyles; hence, wild octopus behavior is often inferred from captive specimens. To combat this bias, Jesse deployed underwater camera traps and monitored octopus dens to track octopuses while observing wild behavior. The results of this study changed the way we view Octopus rubescens through the discovery of social behaviors, diurnal preferences, and mutualistic interactions with kelp greenling (Hexagrammos decagrammus). Previous octopus projects helped him elucidate a mutualism between scallops and sponges that octopuses maintain. In his free time, Jesse works as a diver in Mexico, mapping cave systems or as a National Geographic Naturalist. Jesse assists several local marine labs and aquariums with cold water diving in Puget Sound. As a passionate educator and outdoor enthusiast, Jesse is privileged to share his love of science and the natural world with his students and colleagues.