Dr. Gregory Skomal, a marine biologist, underwater explorer, photographer, and author, will kick off the Tabor Academy Science@Work Lecture Series for this year on December 11 at 6:30 p.m.

For more than 30 years, Skomal has been actively involved in the study of life history, ecology, and physiology of sharks. Much of his current research centers on the use of acoustic telemetry and satellite-based tagging technology to study the ecology and behavior of white sharks.

A fisheries scientist with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries since 1987, Dr. Skomal currently heads up the Massachusetts Shark Research Program. He is also adjunct faculty at the University of Massachusetts School for Marine Science and Technology and an adjunct scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). He holds a master’s degree from the University of Rhode Island and a Ph.D. from Boston University. He has written dozens of scientific research papers and has appeared in a number of film and television documentaries, including programs for National Geographic, Discovery Channel, BBC, and numerous television networks. His most recent book is entitled "The Shark Handbook."

Interest is high in the South Coast area, as more sharks have been seen in and around the Cape and the Islands. All are invited to learn more about these creatures and why their numbers in the area seem to be growing.

The lecture is free and open to the public. It will take place in the Fireman Center for the Performing Arts in Hoyt Hall at 235 Front Street.