Mystic Aquarium

Research Scientist

Mandy received a PhD in 2011 from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) where her research integrated laboratory based methods and samples collected from free ranging animals and those under human care.  The focus of this research was to study how endocrine function as altered by body condition, reproductive status, and stress influences the immune system of harbor seals and Steller sea lions. During her tenure at UAF Mandy was awarded two fellowships including one in the National Science Foundation sponsored GK-12 project CASE: Changing Alaska Science Education. Before moving to Alaska to pursue a PhD, Mandy spent six years working with the U.S. Navy’s Marine Mammal Program during which time she earned a M.Sc. in Biology, Evolutionary Biology Program from San Diego State University. Prior to coming to Mystic Aquarium Mandy was a Term Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Alaska Anchorage where she taught undergraduate and graduate courses including Marine Mammal Biology and Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II. Mandy joined Mystic Aquarium in August 2012 as a Research Scientist where her research interest includes infectious diseases and the impacts of stress on the health of marine mammals.