College of Veterinary Medicine

Education:

BS, Animal Science (Minor: Japanese), University of California, Davis, 2002
MS, Marine Science, University of New England, Biddeford, ME, 2007

Honors and Awards:

Board of Education Summer Fellowship, Office of Graduate Minority Programs,
University of Florida, 2007

Jonathan Smith Endowment Fund Scholarship, University of New England, 2006

United States Achievement Academy National Collegiate Minority Leadership
Award, University of New England, 2006

Educational Enhancement Fund, University of California, Davis, 2001
Davis Scholarship, University of California, Davis, 1998

Current Research:

Many studies have been conducted in analyzing the level of contaminants and trace elements in marine mammals, however, very few publications have looked at the environment in correlation to the levels found in the animal. The Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) is a strict herbivore and primary consumer, thus, is a sentinel species in regards to the amount of trace elements persistent in the environment. Manatees reside in subtropical waters around the state of Florida and in close proximity to many anthropogenic effects, such as industrial thermal refuges during the cold season and urban area runoff. Due to the wide range of habitat throughout Florida, trace element levels in manatees vary depending on location. Therefore, I plan to examine the amount of trace elements in the environment (sediment, plant and water) to determine how these factors may contribute to the manatee’s steady state levels of trace elements. In addition, I am also interested in metal kinetics and the physiological effects of metal accumulation in manatee tissues.

Laboratory Experience:

• HPLC
• Kjeldahl
• AA spec
• vet tech experience

 

Selected Presentations:

Takeuchi, N.Y. Circulating retinol and a-tocopherol levels based on artificial formula consumed in rescued neonatal harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). FL Marine Mammal Health Conf. III, St. Augustine, FL. Poster presentation. April 2008.

Takeuchi, N.Y. Circulating retinol and a-tocopherol levels based on artificial formula consumed in rescued neonatal harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). SE and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symp., Charleston, SC. Poster presentation. March 2008.

Takeuchi, N.Y. Circulating levels of vitamin A and E in rescued harbor seal, Phoca vitulina, pups. NE Biological Sci. Grad. Student Conf., Nova Scotia, Canada. Oral presentation. February 2007.

Takeuchi, N.Y. Circulating vitamin A and E levels based on artificial formula and supplementation consumed in rescued harbor seal, Phoca vitulina, pups. NE Biological Sci. Grad. Student Conf., Bar Harbor, ME. Oral presentation. February 2006.