Meet the Staff

Linda is the founder and director of SEZARC and enjoys the challenge of running a not-for-profit business. Linda has a strong interest in reproductive biology and especially likes the challenge of troubleshooting reproductive problems in different species. Although most of her career has focused on terrestrial mammals, with a focus on antelope, she moved into the field of aquatics a few years ago and is now also investigating the reproductive biology of sharks, rays and coral. 

Lara primarily studies behavior and reproductive endocrinology.  She has also investigated seasonal changes in glucocorticoid concentrations.  Lara is heavily involved in rhinoceros research, including an artificial insemination project with sex-sorted sperm and studying behavioral and physiological indicators of wellbeing.  Lara also assists SEZARC members with creating welfare monitoring programs.

James is a comparative reproductive biologist at SEZARC specializing in gamete biology, sperm cryopreservation, and assisted reproductive technologies. Although James works with everything from bamboo sharks to banteng, he is extremely passionate about species endemic to North America. Born and raised in the Rocky Mountains, some of James’ favorite animals are elk, bison, coyotes, and river otters.

Kat leads the SEZARC endocrine laboratory at the University of North Florida (UNF).  She uses enzyme immunoassays to measure hormone concentrations in numerous species, conducts high-performance liquid chromatography, and provides instruction to UNF volunteers and interns.  Kat is especially interested in shark biology, and she also loves cats—domestic and wild.

Nancy specializes in geographic information systems (GIS) and uses GIS to understand animal movements and space use in the ocean and in zoos and aquariums.  She develops methods to model space use in three-dimensions and develops web map applications for wild animal monitoring for sea turtles. 

Emily leads the SEZARC endocrine laboratory at White Oak.  She uses enzyme immunoassays to measure hormone concentrations in numerous species, assists with gamete cryopreservation, and assists with data analysis for wellbeing reports. Emily also leads educational lab activities in support of White Oak’s summer camp program.

Francine volunteers her time with SEZARC to assist with studies and procedures, from observations of giraffe behavior to assisting with rhinoceros semen collection.  She also assists with preparing studies for publication in scientific journals.  Francine is an avid bird-watcher, and she also enjoys gardening.