Monica A. Stoops

Monica Stoops specializes in assisted reproductive techniques in aquatic salamanders and rhinos. She received her undergraduate degree in Wildlife and Fisheries from West Virginia University. Her graduate work was completed at University of California, Davis where she earned a MSc in Animal Science and PhD in Physiology.

Monica received post-doctoral training at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden after which she worked for 15 years as staff Reproductive Physiologist at the Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife. In addition to her successful research career involving large mega vertebrates, she was fundamental in developing an Aquatic Salamander Research Initiative and helped establish the first captive population of the endangered black warrior waterdog (Necturus alabamensis) within an Association of Zoos and Aquariums facility. Dr. Stoops has traveled and worked nationally and internationally in India, Sumatra (Indonesia), Malaysia, and Namibia gaining personal satisfaction from a collaborative research approach that incorporates capacity building with local partners to further champion species conservation efforts.