E-Mail: alang@sunstroke.sdsu.edu
B..S. Marine Biology, Auburn University, 1996
M.S. Animal Behavior, San Diego State University, 1996 - present
I was first exposed to the study of cetaceans as an intern with Texas A&M University's Marine Mammal Research Program. My time in Galveston was primarily spent working on a project photographically identifying bottlenose dolphins in Corpus Christi, Texas. These experiences taught me not only the realities of how dolphins are studied, but also how rewarding such studies can be.
In April 1998, my colleague Jennifer Marsh and I began a pilot study photographically
identifying bottlenose dolphins inhabiting the coastal waters of Santa Barbara,
California. This fall we plan to continue conducting boat-based photoidentification
surveys in Santa Barbara, and to expand our efforts to include San Diego as well. My
thesis project will analyze individual occurrence patterns both within and between areas,
and document movements of
dolphins between San Diego and Santa Barbara. These studies will build on the results of
past research done in both Santa Barbara (1987-1989) and San Diego (1981-1989,
1996-present). I also have tentative plans to conduct photoidentification surveys in San
Quintin, Baja California, Mexico, to gain further insight into factors influencing range
limitations of Pacific coast bottlenose dolphins.
In my spare time, I enjoy running, rollerblading, scuba diving, and horseback riding. I
am also (slowly!) learning to play the guitar, and have aspirations of learning to surf
while I am in California. I had my first experiences on a sailboat this past summer, and
would like to learn more about sailing as well.
Last updated on 8-24-1996. 
