Mystic Aquarium

Research Scientist

Dr. Tracey Spoon earned her PhD in Animal Behavior from the University of California Davis in 2002. Based on her interests in understanding the complexities of successful reproduction of animals in captivity as a conservation measure, her dissertation research focused on the importance of mate compatibility in mate choice, the coordination of parental care, and a pair’s ultimate reproductive success in cockatiels. After completing her doctoral work, she conducted postdoctoral research examining the genetics of breeding systems and population dynamics in tropical and invasive plants and mate choice and population genetics in threatened populations of diamondback terrapins. Dr. Spoon also holds an Adjunct Professor position in the Department of Biology at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. She joined the Mystic Aquarium team in January 2008 to characterize and assess the immune system of marine mammals.