Cassidy Taylor

 Lab Manager  

Born and raised in Florida, Cassidy is a double major in Animal Studies and Human Development with a minor in Psychology. Growing up, Cassidy was constantly surrounded by animals and had a passion for helping. She currently holds the position of lead researcher on the ZooTampa Orangutan project, which she began as a first-year research associate in 2021. Cassidy found a passion for teaching after working as an environmental educator and a teaching assistant for students of higher education. Since being at Eckerd, she has been involved with the Conservation Behavior Lab, Title IX Council, and has completed multiple animal-related study abroad trips with Eckerd. Cassidy's future goal is to manage a nonprofit that fosters positive interactions between humans and animals.  

Gracie barrentine

 Lead Researcher 

Hi everyone! My name is Gracie Barrentine. I plan on double majoring with Animal Studies and Psychology with a possible minor in theatre. I've always grown up loving animals and I would love to work and train with rehabilitated animals. Marine mammals have a special place in my heart, and I've recently been interested in the conservation of the Northern White Rhinos species. I've volunteered and worked at the Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Clearwater Marine Aquarium and I want to continue learning about conservation efforts and the rehabilitation of animals with focus on marine mammals!

MADDIE ENMAN

Lead Researcher and Social Media Coordinator 

Maddie is a double major in both Marine Biology and Animal Studies. She grew up in Chicago surrounded by cats, dogs, guinea pigs- you name it! This past summer, she spent most of her time volunteering at the Riemann Aquarium in Milwaukee working with the sturgeons. Maddie recently started up as a volunteer at Mote Aquarium. After she graduates, she hopes to attend graduate school and then work within the marine rescue and rehabilitation field, eventually working in higher education. 

KAYLEE O'BRYAN

Lead Researcher 

Kaylee is a double major in Animal Studies and Psychology and will be graduating in May of 2025. Kaylee has always had a strong passion for the well-being of animals being most interested in dogs, manatees, big cats, and primates. While working with dogs most of her life and fostering and training two Doberman youths this past summer, she became highly intrigued about their behaviors and cognitive abilities. Since being at Eckerd, Kaylee has been involved with the Frick Animal Behavior Lab, collecting and studying research data on dolphins at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. After graduation, Kaylee would like to continue her education and become a Veterinarian Technician with a focus on working with Zoo animals.

ANSLEY BOSSART

 Lead Researcher  

Ansley is majoring in Animal Studies with minors in Marine Science and Spanish. She is passionate about animals and conservation and desires to pursue a career in animal care and rescue and rehabilitation. She is currently on the Parrot Cognition project with Apollo the African grey. She has her snake, Sammy, with her here at Eckerd. Ansley is grateful and excited to be joining the lab!

CAROLINE SIMPSON 

Lead Researcher   

Hi! My name is Caroline Simpson and I am an Animal Studies and Psychology double major with a double minor in French and Marine Biology. I am from Devon, Pennsylvania and animals have always been an important part of my life, especially my dog, Tucker. In the summer of 2023, I did internships at both The Elmwood Park Zoo and The Philadelphia Zoo and I am currently volunteering with Elmira's Wildlife Sanctuary. In the future I would like to attend graduate school to study animal cognition and behavior as well as conservation efforts for endangered species. 

Alison Loubet 

Research Assistant 

Hi! I'm Alison, and I am majoring in Animal Studies, with a minor in both Environmental Studies and Visual Art! I was born and raised in Florida, and have always had a passion for animals and animal care. I have worked with shelters and sanctuaries in releasing rehabbed wildlife back to nature, as well as some physical assessment work with incoming animal inhabitants at each. I am currently interested in animal rescue, as well as animal cruelty investigation and animal welfare assessment. I am also very interested in birds of all species and hope to work in bird behavior and psychology/cognition on the side. I have my pup, Callie, as well as my two cockatiels, Stuart and Marshal, helping me improve my work day after day!

Dai Goebel 

Research Assistant 

Dai is a double major in Marine Biology and Animal Studies, with minors in Ancient Studies and Biology. She is a huge lover of animals and is actively involved in several research projects and sanctuaries. Dai spent the summer as an intern with Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, and she was a Steidinger Scholar with the FWC this past year. She is currently conducting research with Apollo the African Grey Parrot in the Parrot cognition project. After graduation, Dai plans to travel and further her education to pursue her career! 

Rose Irwin  

Research Assistant 

Rose Irwin was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is currently double majoring in Animal Studies and Psychology. Her love for animals began as a child during frequent visits to zoos across the United States, where she developed a particular fascination with big cats. Throughout her life, Rose has cared for a wide variety of animals, including ducks, lizards, a hedgehog, and more. This experience sparked a passion for understanding both animal cognition and the health dynamics between animals and humans. In 2023, she interned at the Center for Victims in Pittsburgh, where she trained Advocate Dogs, further deepening her interest in animal behavior. Since attending Eckerd, Rose has continued to pursue her passion for animals and hopes to further develop her skills to work with large cats in the future.