Loggerhead Marinelife Center Appoints New Chief Science Officer and Lead Veterinarian
Juno Beach, Fla. (July 7, 2022) – Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Chief Science Officer (CSO) and lead veterinarian, Dr. Heather Barron. As CSO, Dr. Barron will oversee conservation, research, and rehabilitation functions, and serve as LMC’s lead rehabilitation veterinarian.
Dr. Barron is a licensed wildlife and sea turtle rehabilitator who has more than 25 years of experience in practicing and teaching wildlife medicine. She most recently served as the Medical & Research Director and Head Veterinarian for the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) in Sanibel Island, Fla., a position she’s held since 2011.
“We are honored to have Dr. Barron on board. She is a well-renowned and very well-respected rehab veterinarian,” said LMC’s Chief Executive Officer Andy Dehart. “The ability to have someone of Dr. Barron’s caliber is a testament to the rich history of LMC, but also shows the exciting future that we all see for the facility.”
Dr. Barron is a Georgia native who grew up on St. Simons Island. She received training in special species medicine and surgery through a residency at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, where she later became a tenured Associate Professor on the Zoological Medicine Service.
Dr. Barron obtained further international experience as Professor and Department Head of Clinical Medicine at St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. While there, she was also the veterinarian for the Cayman Turtle Farm and Cayman Wildlife Rescue. Additionally, Dr. Barron served as the former president of the Association of Avian Veterinarians, is a board-certified specialist, and a Certified Aquatic Animal Veterinarian.
“I am honored to accept the position of chief science officer at the highly respected Loggerhead Marinelife Center. It is the culmination of a lifelong dream to be so integrally involved in a cutting-edge institution that is dedicated to the conservation and biodiversity of our oceans, and the care of imperiled species like our beloved sea turtles,” said Dr. Barron.
“I have collaborated for many years with LMC in the care of marine turtles and the pursuit of seminal research projects that have significantly impacted sea turtle health. These previous interactions have made me feel truly fortunate to have the opportunity to work more closely with the team at LMC. I cannot wait to move to Palm Beach County and get started. Marine turtles are amazing creatures that can live more than a hundred years. Lesson learned: always live and work by the sea!”
Throughout her career, Dr. Barron has pursued numerous research projects to improve the medical and surgical care for a variety of wildlife species. Through her research and clinical work, she has authored more than 120 scientific publications in her field. Additionally, Dr. Barron is an internationally acclaimed speaker in her field and provides consultation to veterinarians all over the world. She and her husband will be relocating to Juno Beach from Sanibel Island with their three children.
Click here for a Word version of this press release and high-resolution photos, courtesy Loggerhead Marinelife Center.