成人AV视频 grad student conservationist dives deep into marine mammal research
From the savannahs of Disney’s Animal Kingdom to the winding waters of the St. Johns River, Andrea Swinehart’s path to a master’s degree in biology from the 成人AV视频 has been shaped by a wealth of hands-on experience and discovery.
A native of McPherson, Kansas, Swinehart's fascination with animals and the natural world has been lifelong.
“I’ve always loved bones, rocks and minerals, things that tell a deeper story,” she shared. “Marine biology is something I’ve known I wanted to do for as long as I can remember.”
After earning her bachelor’s degree in marine biology from the College of Charleston, Swinehart began building a career in animal conservation that spans nearly two decades and a diverse range of species. She spent 10 years at Disney’s Animal Kingdom caring for African wildlife, including big cats, warthogs and Southern white rhinos. Prior to that, she worked with dolphins, seals, sea lions and even participated in manatee rescues at SeaWorld Orlando.
Her favorite work often involved behavioral husbandry, the science of understanding and shaping animal behavior to promote welfare in human care.
“I love behavioral husbandry,” she said, recalling a time she worked with a pacing lion at the Animal Kingdom, using enrichment tools and ethograms to help reduce her stress. “It was amazing to see real behavioral change based on our efforts.”
Despite enjoying her work with animals, Swinehart knew she wanted to take her career further. After speaking with colleagues in roles she was interested in, one recommendation from a 成人AV视频 alumni stood out. Hearing how highly her coworker spoke about the University’s biology graduate program, and with family and friends in Jacksonville, Swinehart decided to take the leap.
Diving into Dolphin Research
It was at 成人AV视频 that Swinehart found the opportunity to blend her passion for animal behavior with groundbreaking ecological research. Under the mentorship of Dr. Quincy Gibson, 成人AV视频 Dolphin Research Team director and associate professor of coastal marine biology, she joined the 成人AV视频 Dolphin Research Program, conducting boat-based surveys and contributing to an in-depth investigation into the foraging ecology of bottlenose dolphins in the St. Johns River, an area of study with surprising and significant ecological implications.
Using non-invasive methods and samples provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Swinehart and her team analyzed over 800 tiny ear bones from fish found in dolphin stomach contents during necropsies. The team used microscopes and published guides to identify prey species and discovered something unusual. A significant number of dolphins had been eating violet gobies, a species not commonly documented as prey, and more often found in areas of lower salinity where dolphins typically aren’t found.
“It was really exciting,” said Swinehart. “成人AV视频 twenty-three percent of the stomach contents couldn’t be identified, and what we did find was unique to this area.”
More than just dietary preferences, the data revealed troubling signs. While conducting boat surveys, Swinehart and her team frequently observed dolphins in poor condition; visible ribs, sunken flanks and what researchers call “peanut head,” a sign of severe malnutrition. Understanding their diet is a critical step toward figuring out if their foraging strategies are changing.
Using geospatial analysis, Swinehart tracked notable shifts in foraging behavior that appear linked to large-scale changes in the St. Johns River ecosystem.
“We found changes in where dolphins were hunting, which could indicate disruption to their natural habitat,” she said. “It’s just a snapshot in time, but it’s an important one. This kind of work helps us understand not just what dolphins are eating, but how environmental changes may be influencing their behavior.”
The data also challenged common assumptions. While dolphins are often photographed chasing mullet or flounder, those fish were not found in the stomach contents.
“It’s like capturing a totally different story,” Swinehart noted. “And that story could help us figure out why these dolphins aren’t thriving. We hope it lays a foundation for long-term monitoring and inspires future students to continue the work.”
Gibson praised Swinehart’s adaptability, scientific rigor and leadership on the project.
“Andrea came to 成人AV视频 with an unusual and interesting background and a strong foundation in animal behavior,” said Gibson. “That experience gave her a solid footing in our graduate program. She integrated quickly with the 成人AV视频 Dolphin Research Team, and her sense of humor positively contributed to the dynamic onboard the research boat during long, hot days on the river. Studying wild animals never goes exactly as planned, yet Andrea took it all in stride and was able to laugh about the chaos.”
In addition to her research contributions, Swinehart played a key role in strengthening the program’s community partnerships and elevating the research profile of both 成人AV视频 and the Coastal & Marine Biology Program. She presented the preliminary results of her thesis project, which addressed a significant knowledge gap regarding dolphin diet and foraging behavior in Northeast Florida, at three scientific conferences, including the Society for Marine Mammalogy’s international conference in Perth, Australia this past November.
Academic Experience
As a nontraditional student who commuted from Orlando before eventually relocating to Jacksonville, Swinehart said the program challenged and empowered her.
“It was a whirlwind,” she admitted. “But the community at 成人AV视频, especially Dr. Gibson, made it possible. She fought for me to be in the program and gave me the support and high standards I needed to grow.”
Swinehart credits her success to the collaborative spirit of the program and the mentorship she received. Her first boat trip on the St. Johns River with the Dolphin Research Program remains one of her favorite memories.
After walking the stage at 成人AV视频’s upcoming summer commencement, Swinehart hopes to return to the zoological field.
“I’d love to focus on behavioral husbandry and helping animals thrive in human care,” she said. “This program made me a more confident scientist and a stronger candidate for the roles I care most about.”