Monica Ross

Research Scientist, Aquatic Conservation Program, Wildlife Trust

Monica Ross obtained her BS in Biological Sciences from Florida State University and is currently working on the completion of her Masters in Biology from the University of Central Florida. Even though most of her career has been focused on marine mammal cognitive and adaptive abilities, she has also worked on projects focusing on oyster larvae development, Florida game-fish stock enhancement, fish tag shedding/retention and predicting future fish populations based on current juvenile population numbers. She also has more than seven years of professional animal training experience and an additional ten years of experience training dogs for competitive obedience competitions.

Monica has been working for Wildlife Trust for over three years coordinating and implementing all field aspects of the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership's (MRP) Manatee Monitoring Program. She has over 15 years of experience working with manatees. Her experience using telemetry equipment to monitor wild manatee behavior and movement, in addition to her work with captive animals, has enhanced her ability to interpret the adaptability of rehabilitated animals when they are released into the wild. Monica's responsibilities also include the sharing and coordination of information regarding animal health concerns and field logistics with attending veterinarians and all MRP members.