Sam Kuschke ⁢is a Laboratory Veterinarian at Upwell and a PhD candidate at the University of ⁢Tennessee. She is also conducting research at Florida Atlantic‌ University’s Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, focusing on improving the⁤ survival and health of captive leatherback ​turtles through enhanced nutrition ⁢and ‍environmental conditions.

As a licensed veterinarian ​in Florida, I am ‌also pursuing a PhD at the University of​ Tennessee ‌and working as a graduate research assistant at​ Florida Atlantic University’s (FAU) Marine Lab, as well as a researcher⁢ at Upwell.‌ My‌ research is a ⁣collaborative ⁣effort between multiple‌ organizations, including the University⁣ of Tennessee, ⁤FAU Marine Lab, Upwell, the​ Sea Turtle‍ Grants Program, and other key partners. In 2021, I⁤ was invited by Upwell ‍and FAU Marine Lab to join their groundbreaking‌ research on leatherback sea turtles, and I ‍eagerly accepted ⁤the opportunity.

The‌ leatherback sea​ turtle is the largest of all sea turtle species, and due to their highly migratory nature and unique lifestyle, studying them has been challenging. However, with‌ the endangered Eastern Pacific population of leatherbacks in dire need⁤ of⁣ conservation efforts, it is crucial that we take action now. Unfortunately, there are significant gaps in‌ our understanding of this species,​ and the impact of climate change ⁤on sea​ turtles ​is still not fully understood.

At the ​FAU Marine⁤ Lab, our team works closely with staff from the Gumbo ​Limbo Nature Center and⁤ the Loggerhead ‍Marinelife Center to collect leatherback hatchlings as they emerge from their nests on beaches in Boca Raton and Juno ​Beach,⁢ Florida. A small number of these hatchlings are kept at the⁤ FAU⁣ Marine Lab for further research and are cared for ​by ⁢myself and the rest of the ⁣leatherback team. As a graduate research assistant and veterinarian, I am involved in ​the daily care of these turtles. This collaboration has led to the development of innovative husbandry and care ⁤techniques that are crucial for the survival‌ of ​leatherback sea⁤ turtle ⁣hatchlings.