Willem Weertman

Willem Weertman is SeaOrb’s founder, a marine researcher, scientific diver, and software builder. He holds an M.S. in the Environment from Alaska Pacific University and a B.S. in Oceanography with a minor in Marine Biology from the University of Washington, where he is a doctoral candidate in Psychology’s Neural Systems and Behavior program. His research uses computer vision and machine learning to study sunflower star behavior and ecology and turn underwater imagery into quantitative data for research and conservation.

GitHub · @weertman Instagram · @veertman Photography · Subtidal Productions

Mitchel McCloskey

Mitchel McCloskey is SeaOrb’s co-founder, a marine researcher, scientific diver, and restoration ecologist. He holds an M.S. in Environmental Science from Alaska Pacific University and a B.S. in Biology, with a concentration in Aquatic Science and a minor in Chemistry, from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. He previously led the San Juan Islands Conservation District’s eelgrass program, managing restoration projects throughout the islands. His work spans scientific diving, marine field operations, aquarium systems, and octopus behavior, combining field and laboratory experience to support coastal research and conservation.