James Sanchez, M.S.

James Sanchez is the Angler Engagement Coordinator for the Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation at HRI. His passion for fishing steered him towards his career to educate anglers on science-based fishing practices to ensure healthy and sustainable fisheries along the Texas Gulf Coast.

He is a graduate of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, earning a Bachelor's in Marine Biology in 2012 and Master's in Biology in 2015. He has several years of research experience in Texas coastal ecology. As an undergraduate, he conducted research on how intraspecific variation influences settlement of eastern oysters (published in 2013). His master's thesis focused on how black mangrove expansion into salt marshes altered associated faunal communities (Published in 2017).

From 2016 to June 2023, James was a 7th grade science teacher who loved to share his passion and knowledge of science to his students. He utilized his research and teaching skills to enhance his students' understanding of how the natural world works, to think critically and independently, and learn how science plays a significant role in our society. On his own time, James is an outdoor writer and fishing guide that wades the waters of the Upper Laguna Madre and Baffin Bay chasing trout, redfish, and flounder.