Lifelong Learning Master Programme in Aquatic Animal Medicine

Sea Change Health

Shawn Johnson, veterinarian specialized in marine mammals, earned his DVM from Iowa State University and a Master's in Preventive Veterinary Medicine from UC Davis. With over 20 years of experience in medicine, research, rescue, and rehabilitation of marine mammals and seabirds, he has co-authored 53 scientific publications. He is Co-founder and Director of Sea Change Health, providing advanced medical care and anesthesia to marine mammals in the field. Previously, he directed The Marine Mammal Center in California, the world's largest university-based marine mammal hospital. Shawn teaches in the modules of General Conservation Medicine and Marine Mammal Medicine.

Sea Change Health

Claire received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and completed postgraduate training with the National Marine Mammal Foundation and SeaWorld San Diego. She has worked with the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service investigating unusual mortality events and served as Director of the Hawaiian Monk Seal Conservation Program at The Marine Mammal Center. Founder of Sea Change Health and Scientific Collaborator at the Oceanogràfic, she is co-author of over 25 scientific articles and book chapters on marine mammal health and strandings. Claire teaches in the modules of General Conservation Medicine and Marine Mammal Medicine.

SeaDoc Society, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine

Joe, a respected wildlife veterinarian and well-known scientist, is the Science Director for the SeaDoc Society, a marine conservation program of the UC Davis Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center. He is a bestselling author, an entertaining public speaker, and a sought-after expert voice on wildlife health issues whose advised policymakers from Washington State to Washington D.C. For the last two decades, Joe has been working on wildlife and ecosystem conservation in the Pacific Northwest where he is an expert on diseases that impact both human and wild animal health. Joe teaches in the modules of General Conservation Medicine and Marine Mammal Medicine.

Oregon Zoo

Carlos earned his Degree in Veterinary Medicine from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. He also earned a MSc in Wild Animal Health at the Royal Veterinary College/ Zoological Society of London with an Overseas Development Award granted by the British government. He then completed a 3-year Zoological Medicine Residence at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in the USA. He has participated in several field and conservation projects including the anesthesia and health assessment of free ranging California sea lions in Mexico. He has published over 50 manuscripts in scientific journals and is now the Director of Animal Health at Oregon Zoo. Carlos teaches in the modules of General Conservation Medicine, Fish and Invertebrate and Marine Reptiles and Aquatic Birds.

Wildlife Health Ecology Research Organization

Research scientist studying wildlife health in an ecological context, using field work and statistical models. Over the last 15 years he has worked on the spread of zoonotic viruses in African rodents and Australian bats, and outbreaks of leptospirosis in California sea lions and island foxes, seeking to uncover the environmental factors driving disease transmission and spillover to humans. BSc, MSc and PhD in biology from the University of Antwerp (Belgium), postdoctoral research at the University of California Los Angeles (USA). Director of the Wildlife Health Ecology Research Organization, based in San Diego (USA). Benny teaches in the modules of General Conservation Medicine.

Fundación Oceanogràfic

Jose Luis earned his Veterinary degree from Universidad Cardenal Herrera CEU and his PhD from Complutense University of Madrid, specializing in sea turtle pathology. He is the lead veterinarian of the Conservation Department at Fundación Oceanogràfic. He has completed training in international marine wildlife recovery centers and has published over 90 research articles. Jose Luis teaches in the modules of General Conservation Medicine, Marine Reptiles and Marine Mammal Medicine.

Fundación Oceanogràfic

Daniel is the Scientific Committee Coordinator of Fundación Oceanogràfic and Director of Zoological Operations at Oceanogràfic in Valencia. He holds a DVM and PhD from Complutense University of Madrid, specializing in sea turtle medicine. He is a European Diplomate in Zoo Animal Medicine and in Aquatic Animal Health, and member of multiple international zoo and wildlife medicine associations. He serves on the inspection committees of the Iberian Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the European Association of Marine Mammals. He has authored over 170 scientific publications. Daniel teaches in the modules of General Conservation Medicine, Marine Reptiles and Marine Mammal Medicine.

Fundación Oceanogràfic

Andreas earned his PhD in Animal Physiology from Carleton University (Ottawa) and a degree in Marine Science from Hawaii Pacific University. He conducted research at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution until 2011 and has since combined his work as a researcher with a position as Associate Professor at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. A leading specialist in diving physiology of marine mammals, he has published over 60 scientific articles. Andreas teaches in the modules of General Conservation Medicine.

National Marine Mammal Foundation

Director of Conservation Medicine at the National Marine Mammal Foundation, where she advances aquatic conservation through veterinary medicine, science, and partnerships. With over 20 years of experience, she has investigated dolphin health after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and supported rescue efforts for the vaquita porpoise in Mexico. She co-founded Operation GRACE, protecting at-risk aquatic mammals and ecosystems, and has contributed to 30+ publications. Trained in anthropology (UC Berkeley) and veterinary medicine (UC Davis), she is inspired by her role as a mother to preserve wild spaces for future generations. Forrest teaches in the modules of General Conservation Medicine and Marine Mammal.

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Heather completed her DVM/MPVM degrees at the University of California, Davis and is a board-certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. For the past 20 years, she has provided veterinary expertise for marine wildlife capture and health assessment, stranded animal care, and oil spill response from remote Pacific Islands to Antarctica. She is faculty at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, associate veterinarian for the Marine Mammal Center, leads the Sea Turtle Health Program at Upwell, and serves as a NOAA affiliate veterinarian in the west coast region. Heather teaches in the modules of General Conservation Medicine, Marine Reptiles, and Marine Mammals.

Disney?s Animals, Science and Environment

Natalie is a veterinarian at Disney's Animal Kingdom and the Seas with Nemo and Friends in Orlando, Florida working with a wide variety of animals in both the terrestrial and aquatic realms where she divides her time equally. She received her Masters and veterinary degrees at the University of Illinois. Clinical medicine fuels her and she loves to broaden medicine by using techniques with zoo animals and extrapolating to aquatics. She is the veterinary chair for GRACE (gorilla rehabilitation and conservation center) and for the Eurasian and African primate TAG and the Gibbon SSP. Natalie teaches in the module of Fish Medicine.

Wildlife Conservation Society, New York Aquarium

Leigh Clayton, DVM, is Director of the New York Aquarium with the Wildlife Conservation Society, where she oversees animal health, welfare, and conservation programs. A boardcertified specialist in Avian and Reptile/Amphibian Medicine through the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, she trained in small animal, zoo, and aquarium medicine before completing a residency in avian and exotic animal surgery. Her professional focus integrates veterinary medicine, conservation, and public engagement, advancing initiatives in marine wildlife health, aquatic species rescue, and global ocean sustainability. Leigh teaches in the module of Fish Medicine.

Oceanário de Lisboa

Nuno Pereira received his Veterinary Medicine degree in 1987, initially working with small animals and wild animals such as the Iberian wolf. Twenty-eight years ago, he transitioned to aquatic animal medicine, becoming head veterinarian at Oceanário de Lisboa, focusing on ornamental fish medicine. He is part of EAZA's Elasmobranch TAG Veterinary Advisory Group and has published articles and chapters in peer-reviewed veterinary journals and aquatic medicine books. He is also attending veterinarian of two Lisbon research aquatic animal facilities (ISPA and GIMM), co-author of FELASA-AALAS research fish health monitoring recommendations and teaches fish medicine and conservation medicine at Universidade Lusófona's Veterinary Faculty since 2005. Nuno teaches the modules of Fish and Invertebrate Medicine.

CEU-Cardenal Herrera University

Ana is a fish parasitologist with more than 20 years of experience. For ten years, through a collaboration agreement between the University of Valencia and Fundación Oceanogràfic, she developed her research on the parasite fauna of marine fish. She has participated in different research projects, related to pathologies and parasitosis of vertebrate animals. She has more than fifty communications in national and international congresses as well as several scientific and outreach publications, book chapters, and contribution in numerous scientific and outreach conferences. She has participated as a lecturer in different master's programs, and she is Assistant Professor at the CEU-Cardenal Herrera University of Valencia. Ana teaches the modules of Fish and Invertebrate Medicine.

Colorado State University

Ashley McGrew earned her DVM-PhD at Colorado State University, researching Hg uptake by parasites of marine mammals and wolves. She completed a post-doctoral fellowship and became boarded in Parasitology (American College of Veterinary Microbiologists) in 2015. She serves on faculty at CSU, teaching in the undergraduate and DVM programs, and is Section Head of Parasitology. Her research interests include Diagnostic Veterinary Parasitology and marine/wildlife parasites. She has served on the board for the International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine, having been a member since 2002, and serves on the board for the National Center for Veterinary Parasitology. Ashley teaches in the Marine Mammal module.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Veterinarian specializing in wildlife medicine. Obtained her veterinary and Master of Preventive Veterinary Medicine degrees from UC Davis. She has worked with a variety of wildlife species, including both marine and terrestrial, in rehabilitation, managed care, and field research settings, in the US, Africa, Central, and South America. Has authored scientific articles on wildlife health topics and is a Diplomate of the American College of Preventive Veterinary Medicine. Her affiliations include The Marine Mammal Center, California Wildlife Center, Oiled Wildlife Care Network, and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. Lorraine teaches in the Marine Mammal module.

University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine

Michael Walsh, DVM, is a marine animal veterinarian and researcher specializing in manatees, cetaceans, and sea turtles. An adjunct at the University of Florida's Nature Coast Biological Station since 2007, he collaborates with agencies including FWS, FWC, NMFS, and USGS. Recognized for innovations in marine mammal medicine, diagnostics, and disease prevention, his current research spans lipidomics in dolphins, leptospirosis in manatees, virtopsy imaging, microbiome studies, and emerging contaminants. He has chaired the Manatee Recovery Plan veterinary committee and continues advising international organizations on marine wildlife health and conservation. Mike teaches in the Marine Mammal Module.

Intradco Global

Dennis Christen brings over 35 years of leadership in animal care, welfare, and management across aquariums, zoos, and conservation organizations. He began his career at Vancouver Aquarium, held pivotal roles at the Alaska SeaLife Center, and spent nearly two decades at Georgia Aquarium, most recently as Senior Director of Animal Wellbeing, Behavior, and Zoological Compliance. Dennis has led marine mammal and seabird programs, overseen rescue, and rehabilitation, and coordinated complex international animal transports, including the relocation of belugas from Ukraine. He now advances wildlife logistics as part of Intradco Global. Dennis teaches in the Marine Mammal Module.

The Effective Conservation Training Initiative

Ignacio is member at IUCN Conservation Translocation Specialist Group. Ignacio teaches in the modules of General Conservation Medicine.

Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC)

Nathan is a Marine Biologist and Science Communicator whose research uses novel camera technologies to study charismatic marine megafauna while simultaneously engaging global audiences in marine conservation. During his career, he has been at the center of several viral videos. These have included a video of him removing both a plastic straw from the nostril of an endangered sea turtle and filming the first footage of a giant squid in US waters. He currently works at the Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC) in Barcelona. Nathan teaches in the modules of General Conservation Medicine.

Ecovet Global

Sophia Papageorgiou, is a veterinarian specializing in wildlife and ecosystem health, disease ecology, and epidemiology. Sophia earned her DVM from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and later completed her Master's in Preventive Veterinary Medicine and PhD in Epidemiology at UC Davis. With extensive experience working on multidisciplinary teams in Africa and Asia, she currently lectures in disease ecology at UC Davis. Sophia is a co-founder of an NGO in Tanzania’s Southern Highlands where she integrates her expertise in wildlife and domestic animal health with her passion for conservation to foster women-led ecosystem health initiatives. Sophia teaches in the Conservation Medicine Module.

The Turtle Hospital

Terry Norton, DVM, ACZM is the lead veterinarian at the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida. He was the founder, Director, and Veterinarian for the Georgia Sea Turtle Center for over 1.5 decades. He earned his DVM at Tufts University and completed his residency in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine at the University of Florida. He is a Diplomate in the American College of Zoological Medicine and has published numerous articles for referred journals and book chapters. He is one of the co-editors and authors of the book entitled Sea Turtle Health and Rehabilitation.

Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, New England Aquarium

Charles Innis received his bachelor's degree from Cornell University and his VMD from the University of Pennsylvania. He has worked at New England Aquarium since 2005. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Reptile and Amphibian Practice, a member of the IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, Past President of the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians, and an adjunct professor at Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. He is co-editor and co-author of the text, Sea Turtle Health, and Rehabilitation. Charles teaches in the modules of Marine Reptiles.

Ardente Veterinary Nutrition

Veterinarian and nutritionist specializing in zoo and aquatic species, consulting with facilities globally. Received Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from North Carolina University and PhD from the University of Florida. After completion of a postdoctoral associate position at Disney's Animal Kingdom, founded Ardente Veterinary Nutrition LLC. She works closely with facilities like the National Marine Mammal Foundation and U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program, the Georgia Aquarium, and the Singapore Oceanarium, to optimize the health of aquatic species under professional care. Amanda teaches in the modules of Marine Reptiles, Birds, and Marine Mammals Medicine.

College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida

Nicole is Clinical Associate Professor of the Aquatic, Amphibian, and Reptile Pathology Service and the Aquatic Animal Health Program at the University of Florida. She earned her DVM from the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany, completed an internship in small animal medicine, and then pursued a residency in clinical pathology at the University of Florida. She is specialized in clinical pathology of non-domestic species and focuses on providing continuing education opportunities and on improving available diagnostics for non-domestic species. Nicole teaches in the modules of Marine Reptiles, Birds, Fish and Marine Mammals Medicine.

ZooRadOne

Marina is a board-certified veterinary radiologist for 17 years, Dr. Ivancic has more than 25 years of experience with marine mammals and an international reputation for expertise in zoological diagnostic imaging. She was the first radiologist to concentrate on aquatic animal imaging, and the first to work full-time at a zoo. She has an extensive record of more than 30 publications and 60 presentations in the scientific domain, and her experience in critical careand surgery-associated imaging of cetaceans is unmatched. Marina is the founder of ZooRadOne, providing teleradiology and on-site imaging support for zoo and aquatic animal facilities around the world. Marina teaches in the modules of Marine Reptiles and Marine Mammals Medicine.

NC State College of Veterinary Medicine and Center for Marine Sciences and Technology

Craigh is Professor of Aquatic Animal Medicine at NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, DVM from Iowa State University, PhD from NC State University, Past President of the American College of Zoological Medicine and of the International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine, co-editor of Sea turtle Health & Rehabilitation and of Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th ed., has published over 200 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters, part-time whitewater raft guide. Craigh teaches in the modules of Marine Reptiles and Marine Mammals

Samour falcon Consultancy

Visiting Professor, Dipartimento di Scienze Medico Veterinarie, Università di Parma Jaime earned his Veterinary Medicine degree with Honours from Veracruz University (1978) and a Doctorate in Avian Reproductive Biology from the University of London (1987). His academic career spans teaching, research, and clinical practice in exotic animal and avian medicine across the Middle East and Europe. He has authored seven textbooks, 21 book chapters, and over 170 peer-reviewed articles. A European Specialist in Avian Medicine and Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology, Jaime continues advancing research, teaching, and consulting in wildlife and raptor medicine internationally. Jaime teaches in the modules of Aquatic birds.

Animal Welfare Education Centre (AWEC) / School of Veterinary Medicine, UAB

Xavier is a Professor at the School of Veterinary Science of the Autonomous University of Barcelona in Spain. He obtained his BVSc degree and his PhD at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, and an MSc degree in Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, UK. His area of expertise is animal behavior and animal welfare and has published extensively on this subject. He has worked with several zoological institutions in Spain and abroad developing animal welfare assessment plans as well as animal welfare improvement strategies. Xavier teaches in the modules of Marine Reptiles, Birds, Fish and Marine Mammals Medicine.

Animal Welfare Education Centre (AWEC) / School of Veterinary Medicine, UAB

Oriol is a researcher at the Animal Welfare Education Centre (AWEC) and at the School of Veterinary Sciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). His work spans research, teaching, and consultancy in wild animal welfare. Besides his research activities, he coordinates the UAB MSc in Animal Welfare, lectures in several programmes, and serves as Animal Welfare Officer at the Oceanogràfic de València Aquarium. He also provides expert advice on animal welfare to zoological institutions, European associations, and public agencies. Oriol teaches in the modules of Marine Reptiles, Birds, Fish and Marine Mammals Medicine.

NC State College of Veterinary Medicine

Greg worked for a large wholesaler of ornamental fishes before joining the faculty at the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine in 1993, where he is Professor of Aquatic, Wildlife, and Zoological Medicine. He is a diplomate of the American and European Colleges of Zoological Medicine and has authored or co-authored over 300 scientific articles and book chapters. Greg has made 32 trips to the Galápagos doing wildlife conservation work. He is the faculty founder of the Turtle Rescue Team, a student-led wildlife clinic that has treated over 9,000 patients. Greg teaches in the modules of Marine Reptiles, Fish, and Invertebrate Medicine.

International Zoo Veterinary Group

Tania is a zoo, aquarium and wildlife veterinarian at International Zoo Veterinary Group, where she is currently a partner, and where she started in 2010 after having been first veterinarian, then marine mammal curator and finally zoological director of a large corporation holding over 20 zoos, aquariums and marine mammal parks for 10 years and marine mammal curator at the Barcelona Zoo for 5 years. Has a special interest in animal welfare, and several publications on the topic. EAZA vet advisor for elasmobranchs and dolphins and chair of the accreditation and veterinary committees of the EAAM. Tania teaches in the modules of Marine Reptiles, Birds, Fish and Marine Mammals Medicine.

Disney?s Animals, Science and Environment

Carlos has been the veterinary pathology manager for the Walt Disney Company since 2011. He received his veterinary degree from Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, which was followed by an equine medicine and surgery internship. He practiced as an ambulatory clinical equine veterinarian before switching tracks and completing the Angell Memorial/Tufts University combined anatomic pathology residency program. He then joined the pathology department at the Wildlife Conservation Society/Bronx Zoo. He is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists. Special interests include amphibian/aquatic diseases, capacity building, and supporting conservation programs. Carlos teaches in the modules of Marine Reptiles, Birds, Fish and Marine Mammals Medicine.

GREFA

Fernando has been the veterinary Director of GREFA (Grupo de Rehabilitación de la Fauna Autóctona y su Hábitat) since 2003. He graduated in veterinary medicine from the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) and holds a PhD in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Murcia (UM). He is an Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the UCM and accredited by AVEPA in exotic animal medicine. He is the author of more than 40 scientific articles. He is a member of the American Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV), the European Association of Avian Veterinarians (EAAV), the European and American Associations of Zoo Veterinarians (EAZWV) and the Spanish Association of Small Animals (AVEPA), among others. Fernando teaches in the modules of Aquatic Birds.

Associação R3 Animal

Cristiane is a veterinarian graduated from the University of São Paulo, Brazil. She also completed her Master's and Doctorate in Wild Animal Pathology. She holds a Postdoctoral degree in Environmental Virology from the University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Since 2002, Cristiane has been working at Associação R3 Animal, serving as both Head Veterinarian and President, focusing on the rehabilitation of marine mammals and seabirds. Since 2015, she and her team have been engaged in the Santos Basin Beach Monitoring Project, monitoring the beaches of Florianópolis, conducting necropsies, and rehabilitating marine animals from the State of Santa Catarina at the largest Rehabilitation Center in Brazil. Cristiane teaches in the modules of Aquatic Birds.

Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera / Fundación Oceanogràfic

Marta graduated in Veterinary Medicine from Complutense University of Madrid, earned a Master's in Aquaculture from the University of Vigo, and obtained her PhD from the University of Murcia specializing in shark reproduction. She has worked as a clinical veterinarian in several national and international aquariums. Currently, she works as a professor at Universidad CEU UCH and collaborates at Fundación Oceanogràfic, supporting the Conservation Department in marine wildlife rehabilitation. She has authored over 10 scientific publications. Marta teaches in the modules of General Conservation Medicine.

Oceanogràfic

Carlos is Assistant Director of Zoological Collections and Curator of Birds and Reptiles at Avanqua Oceanogràfic. He holds degrees in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Santiago de Compostela and in Biological Sciences from the University of Vigo. With expertise in exotic and aquatic animal medicine, he has worked at institutions such as Acquario di Genova and Mundomar. He is a member of the inspection committee of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums and serves on ethics and welfare committees including Migramar and Fundación Oceanogràfic. Carlos teaches in the modules of Marine Reptiles, Birds, Fish and Marine Mammals Medicine.

Oceanogràfic

Carlos has been a veterinarian at Oceanogràfic Valencia since 2018. He earned his Veterinary degree from Complutense University of Madrid in 2010 and a master's in veterinary and biomedical sciences in 2011. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD in Avian Pharmacology at the same university. He co-authored a book chapter on ornamental fish emergencies and has published on exotic animal medicine. With prior clinical experience in zoos and breeding centers in Spain and the UAE, he is a member of EAZWV and AAZV and inspector for EAZA. Carlos teaches in the modules of Marine Reptiles, Birds, Fish and Marine Mammals Medicine.

Oceanogràfic

Teresa has been a veterinarian at Oceanogràfic since 2003. She earned her Veterinary degree from Complutense University of Madrid, specializing in Animal Medicine and Health. She currently leads the Veterinary and Laboratory Department, with clinical expertise in aquatic animal medicine and care. She co-authored a book chapter on ornamental fish emergencies and has taught courses on aquatic animal medicine at Complutense University of Madrid and Universidad Cardenal Herrera CEU. Carlos teaches in the modules of Marine Reptiles, Birds, Fish and Marine Mammals Medicine.

Oceanogràfic

Monica is part of the Veterinary Department at Oceanogràfic in Valencia. Mónica teaches in the modules of Marine Reptiles, Birds, Fish and Marine Mammals Medicine.