Grisel Rodríguez 

• Hometown: 

• Previous Education: University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez 

• Degree obtained: B.S. and M.S. in Marine Biology

• Graduate Advisor: Richard Appledorn, Ph.D. 

• Area of Specialization: Biological Oceanography

• Research Interest: marine mammals, population structure

Working with marine mammals since 1994 in several research projects that include San Juan Island Washington, Bahamas and Puerto Rico. Work for 8 years with NOAA in the Gulf of Mexico Marine Mammal Surveys as a observer and photo-identification expert. Currently a PhD student and full time employee of Department of Natural and Environmental Resources project leader of the Recreational Marine Statistics Program and Marine Mammal Stranding Coordinator.

Thesis:  Genetic structure and diversity of the bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus population off Puerto Rico 

 Thesis project will be base on using a multidisciplinary approach that includes behavioral ecology, distribution and genetics to help determine and comprehend the extent of the bottlenose dolphin community in Puerto Rico