College of Veterinary Medicine

Education:

BS, Psychology, Florida State University, 1991
PhD, Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, 2000

Research Interests:

My research focuses on reproductive endocrinology, behavior and development of aquatic animals, with a current emphasis on manatees. I have experience in developing and validating steroid hormone assays for various species, including mammals and birds. I have on-going studies measuring reproductive and stress related hormones, correlating hormone concentrations and behavior in manatees, and histological analysis of manatee embryology.

Selected Publications:

I. L. V. Larkin, Vivienne Gasson and Roger L. Reep, 2007. Observations on Digesta Passage Rates in the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris). Zoo Biology 26: 503-515.

W. Fellner, K. Odell, A. Corwin, L. Davis, C. Goonen, I. Larkin, and M.A. Stamper, 2006. Behavioral responses of two rehabilitated West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris): Before and after ex-situ behavioral extinction efforts. Aquatic Mammals 32(1): 66-74.

M. R. Milnes, D. Bermudez, T. Edwards, M. Gunderson, I. L. V. Larkin , B. Moore, and L. J. Guillette Jr. , 2006. Contaminant-induced feminization and demasculinization of non-mammalian vertebrate males in aquatic environments. Environmental Science 100: 3-17.

I. L. V. Larkin, T. S. Gross and R. L. Reep, 2005. Use of Faecal Testosterone Concentrations to Monitor Male Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) Reproductive Status. Aquatic Mammals 31(1): 52-61.