FIU Scientists Shine in SharkFest 2025 by National Geographic

Florida International University (FIU) shark scientists are making waves as they take center stage in National Geographic’s SharkFest 2025. Led by Mike Heithaus, FIU’s executive dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education, vice provost of environmental resilience, and a professor of biological sciences, the team includes Yannis Papastamatiou, FIU’s associate professor of biological sciences and marine biologist, as well as Candace Fields, a Ph.D. candidate studying the population dynamics of large predators.

SharkFest 2025 premieres on July 5 at 8 p.m. on National Geographic, with streaming starting on July 6 on Disney+ and Hulu. If you can’t catch the show live, don’t worry – episodes from previous SharkFest seasons, which also feature FIU scientists, are available on a sharks collection page on Disney+, Nat Geo TV App, and ABC App.

Exciting new shows and episodes for 2025 featuring FIU shark scientists include “Investigation Shark Attack,” airing on July 5 at 9 p.m. This six-part series dives into the mind of these apex predators, providing a unique perspective on shark behavior. Led by Heithaus and a team of scientists at Shark Headquarters, the show analyzes theories and dissects each encounter to uncover what drives sharks to strike.

Mark your calendars for “JAWS @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story” premiering on July 10 at 9 p.m. This authorized documentary takes viewers on a journey from Peter Benchley’s novel to the iconic film, featuring rare footage and interviews with Hollywood directors, shark scientists, and conservationists. Learn how the film influenced the blockbuster movie industry and fostered shark conservation efforts that continue today.

On July 13 at 9 p.m., don’t miss “Shark Quest: Hunt for the Apex Predator.” As shark populations face threats, this series showcases harrowing encounters with massive sharks and explores key hot spots in the most shark-infested waters.

So, get ready to explore the world of sharks with FIU scientists on SharkFest 2025 – it’s a deep dive you won’t want to miss! All times are listed in Eastern Standard Time.