Meet the Team

After graduating from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, Mike completed an internship at the University of Pennsylvania in small animal medicine and surgery, followed by a residency in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine at the University of Florida. He focused on consulting and relief work until he was later hired at SeaWorld Orlando, where he took care of their collection for over 20 years. In partnership with the other veterinarians and animal departments, he developed standards of care for many aquatic species, including cetaceans, sharks, sea turtles, and manatees. In parallel with care of the collection, SeaWorld pioneered the field of rehabilitation for ill and injured marine wildlife. In an effort to help train the next generation of researchers, Mike joined the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, where he has championed the growth and impact of the UF Marine Animal Rescue Program.

After an early career as a wildlife biologist working with various federal, state, academic, and non-profit groups, and as a sea otter rehabilitation aquarist at Monterey Bay Aquarium, Bridget went on to the University of Wisconsin – Madison to earn her DVM with an emphasis in wildlife, exotic, and zoo animal medicine, as well as a Master's in comparative biomedical science, investigating analgesics in aquatic species. She completed a Special Species internship at UW-Madison and a postdoctoral fellowship at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center, before working as a veterinarian at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. She is currently faculty in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at UF, and she joined the UF Marine Animal Rescue program in 2024. She is excited to leverage more than 20 years of experience working with aquatic species to support the success of the program. Her areas of expertise include conservation medicine, aquatic animal health and welfare, environmental toxicology, wildlife diseases, and One Health.

Brittany has worked in the field of marine mammal and sea turtle strandings for over 8 years. She gained experience in marine mammal and sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation, and release while working for Mote Marine Laboratory, the Virginia Aquarium, and most recently with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory. Brittany has extensive experience in marine animal necropsy and sample management, marine animal rescue and rehabilitation, and has contributed to Florida manatee research. Brittany joined the UF as the Aquatic Animal Health Program’s Biological Scientist in 2021, supporting the program’s goals through research, teaching activities, and aiding UF’s Marine Animal Rescue Program.

Suzanna is a Marine Mammal Stranding Biologist for the University of Florida Marine Animal Rescue who responds to dead, distressed, or injured cetaceans, manatees, and sea turtles in Levy, Dixie, and Taylor counties. The data collected from these responses help to better understand the marine mammal populations along our coast. Additionally, Suzanna assists in necropsies and other research projects.

Shae is a Marine Mammal Stranding Biologist for the University of Florida Marine Animal Rescue who responds to dead, distressed, or injured cetaceans, manatees, and sea turtles in Levy, Dixie, and Taylor counties. The data collected from these responses help to better understand the marine mammal populations along our coast.

Dana is courtesy faculty at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. She volunteers her time with the University of Florida Marine Animal Rescue Program responding to injured, sick or deceased marine mammals and sea turtles in Levy, Dixie and Taylor counties. As an FAA licensed drone pilot, she utilizes drones with permission and special permits to aid in the rescue of and response to animals requiring assistance.