Oglesby Moves into New Role

Wood Oglesby has started a new position with Louisiana Sea Grant (LSG), filling the Marine Extension agent vacancy for St. Tammany and Tangipahoa parishes. Oglesby joined LSG in 2019 as a research associate at the Michael C. Voisin Oyster Hatchery on Grand Isle. He became hatchery farm manager in 2020 and moved into the Alternative Oyster Culture Program outreach coordinator role in January 2022.

He graduated from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in marine biology. There he developed a strong interest in aquaculture and aquatic systems. He later came to Louisiana State University for his master’s degree in environmental science. From there his work has focused on the states’ coastal and environmental issues.

As part of this new position, he’s looking forward to being more involved in the community.

“I’m very excited to connect directly with people across the parishes,” Oglesby said. “So much of my career has been focused on oysters and aquaculture, so I’m looking forward to expanding that work and being involved in a wider range of coastal and fisheries challenges.”

In his new role, Oglesby plans to build on existing relationships while listening to residents and local partners in St. Tammany and Tangipahoa parishes. He hopes to connect them with research and expertise that responds to their priorities.