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Meet the Team

Marine Mammal Stranding Program

Meet the team who makes up the Marine Mammal Stranding Program!

Program Leadership

Dr. Michael Tift stands outdoors on a dock by a river 

Michael Tift, Ph.D.

  • Director of the UNCW Marine Mammal Stranding Program
  • Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology and Marine Biology 

Portrait of Tiffany Keenan

Tiffany Keenan, Ph.D. 

  • Marine Mammal Stranding Coordinator
  • Research Associate in the Department of Biology and Marine Biology

Alison Loftis

  • Assistant Stranding Coordinator

Faculty Collaborators

Julia Buck Portrait

Julia Buck, Ph.D.

  • Faculty Collaborator with the UNCW Marine Mammal Stranding Program
  • Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology and Marine Biology

Lorian Schweikert Portrait

Lorian Schweikert, Ph.D.

  • Faculty Collaborator with the UNCW Marine Mammal Stranding Program
  • Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology and Marine Biology

Patrick Erwin Portrait

Patrick Erwin, Ph.D.

  • Faculty Collaborator with the UNCW Marine Mammal Stranding Program
  • Associate Professor in the Department of Biology and Marine Biology

Kerri Smith, Ph.D

  • Faculty Collaborator with the UNCW Marine Mammal Stranding Program
  • Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology and Marine Biology

 

Student Researchers

Portrait of Jax Salguero

Jax Salguero

  • MMSP graduate student researcher and stranding response personnel
  • Ph.D. student in Dr. Julia Buck's lab

 

Veterinary Team

Stephen Anderson, DVM 

  • Veterinarian

Celeste Anderson 

  • Veterinary Technician

Program Founders

D. Ann Pabst, Ph.D.

  • UNCW MMSP Founder

William McLellan

  • UNCW MMSP Founder
Stranding program hands on training on how to safely place a marine mammal in a stretcher

Join Our Team as a Volunteer!

Dive into a world of hands-on learning & marine exploration. Our dynamic team is a mix of volunteers, students, faculty & staff from the Department of Biology & Marine Biology. Fill out our volunteer interest form below & become a valued member of our volunteer community.

Become a Volunteer

Join the Wave of Support!

Our Marine Mammal Stranding Program depends on the support of individuals like you. Every contribution, whether big or small, helps support our mission to understand, preserve & protect our marine mammals.

Donate Today