Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration

With the assistance of both external and in-house funding, the Department of Animal Care of Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, a division of Sea Research Foundation, is sponsoring a one-year internship/research opportunity in aquatic animal medicine. Applicants for the internship should be graduates of an AVMA accredited veterinary college or ECFVG certified. All applicants should have successfully passed the NAVLE. Preference will be given to applicants with graduate degrees and/or postgraduate clinical experience in a practice or internship setting. Entry level familiarity with ultrasound, radiology, and endoscopy systems is expected. The stipend for the position is expected to be $26,000 per annum plus benefits.

The successful applicant will assist the veterinary, research, and husbandry staffs in the diagnosis and treatment of medical cases from the Aquarium's extensive collection of invertebrates, fresh and saltwater fishes, reptiles, amphibians, penguins, seals, sea lions, and beluga whales. In addition the intern will participate in our rescue, rehabilitation, and release program for stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. Collateral opportunities at cooperating area academic, government, and private industry laboratories are possible and encouraged. The intern will have an opportunity to develop teaching skills by his/her involvement in the Aquarium's veterinary externship program and at informal seminars. The intern will be expected to pursue one or more clinical or research interests and to prepare the results for presentation to our staff and at an appropriate professional meeting as well as for publication in the peer reviewed literature. Past interns have gone on to acceptance into well-recognized graduate/residency programs or employment in the field of aquatic, comparative, or zoological medicine.

Applicants should submit the following material to:

Dr. Allison Tuttle
Director of Animal Care / Staff Veterinarian
Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration
55 Coogan Boulevard
Mystic, CT 06355
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

1. A current transcript from the veterinary school and any post-baccalaureate program which he/she has attended.
2. Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic performance and his/her potential in the clinical and research arenas. At least two of the letters must be written by a veterinarian.
3. A statement reflecting the applicant's goals in the area of aquatic animal medicine and research.
4. A current curriculum vitae or resume.

Potential applicants who will be in the southern New England area are encouraged to contact us for a tour of our facilities and a chance to meet with our staff. All application materials must be received prior to 01 March 2010.  The internship period will extend from 01 June 2010 through 15 June 2011. With prior agreement by both parties an additional year in the program may be possible. Additional information may be obtained by calling Dr. Tuttle at 860-572-5955 X101, or by e-mail at . A general orientation to our facility and programs can be obtained by viewing our web page http://www.mysticaquarium.org. Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration is an affirmative action/ equal opportunity employer.

Past Interns

Cara Field (2009-Present) Accepted the position of Associate Veterinarian for the Audubon Institute in New Orleans. (2008-2009) Worked with the University of Connecticut and Mystic Aquarium Dr. Field was granted a research fellowship through NOAA OHHI/I-RICH to continue studying the intercellular effects of marine Brucella on human and marine mammal cells.

Jenny Meegan (2006-2007)  Accepted into the Aquatic Animal Residency program at the University of Florida.

Delphine Sarran (2005-2006) Completed veterinary school at Ecole Nationale Veterinaire de Toulouse in France.  She was the veterinary intern at The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California. Dr. Sarran has returned to France to practice veterinary medicine.

Michelle Davis (2004-2005) Graduated from Louisiana State University School of Veterinary School. She completed a Zoo and Aquatic Animal residency through the combined facilities of Shedd Aquarium, Brookfield Zoo and Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago and is now a veterinarian at the Oklahoma City Zoo.

Allison Tuttle (2002-2004) Graduated from North Carolina College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed the Aquatic Animal Medicine residency North Carolina State University. She is boarded with the American College of Zoological Medicine. Dr. Tuttle is currently the Staff Veterinarian and Director of Animal Care at Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration.

Todd Schmitt (2001-2002) Graduated from Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine, and is currently a staff veterinarian at Sea World San Diego.

Carrie Goertz (2000-2001) Currently a staff veterinarian/rehabilitation manager and veterinary researcher at the Alaska Sea Life Center in Seward , Alaska.

Jodi Scherrill (1999-2000) Completed internships at the National Zoo and Shedd Aquarium in Chicago . She is boarded with the American College of Zoological Medicine. She was a veterinarian at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California and in currently in private practice.

Scott Willens (1998-1999) Graduated from veterinary school, and completed his PhD at North Carolina State University . Currently a veterinary researcher in the US Army.

Marty Haulena (1996-1997) Graduated from veterinary school in Guelph, Canada. He is boarded with the American College of Zoological Medicine. Former staff veterinarian at The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California, currently staff veterinarian at the Vancouver Aquarium.

Lisa St. Aubin (1995-1996) Graduated from veterinary school, currently works for Pfizer and volunteers at Mystic Aquarium.

Tom Lembo (1994-1995) Entered a residency in clinical pathology at North Carolina State University . Sadly now deceased.

Kelly Helmick (1993-1994) Completed a Residency at UFLA, and currently is a staff veterinarian at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle , WA. She is boarded with the American College of Zoological Medicine.

Sal Frasca (1992-1993) Graduated from University of Pennsylvania veterinary school. Completed PhD and pathology residency at University of Connecticut . Currently ACVP Diplomate and Associate Professor of Pathobiology at UCONN.