Krystan Wilkinson, Ph.D.

Staff Scientist

Krystan Wilkinson is a Staff Scientist employed by the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (SDRP) and based at Mote Marine Laboratory as part of a partnership to engage in dolphin research, education and conservation action. Krystan is also an adjunct scientist with the Sharks & Rays Conservation Research Program at Mote Marine Laboratory. Her research assesses predator-prey interactions between sharks and coastal bottlenose dolphin populations in southwestern Florida. She also participates with spotted eagle ray research at Mote to document their biology, behavior, and movement patterns. Krystan started with the SDRP as an intern in 2011 and completed her Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Ecology in 2018 from the University of Florida. She also holds a Master’s degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from the University of Florida, and Bachelor of Science degrees in Zoology and Biological Aspects of Conservation from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.