Wild Dolphin Foundation Volunteer Research Team

Tori Cullins- has documented the marine mammals of the Wai'anae coastline since the early 90's. A marine biologist graduate from the University of Hawai'i, she also holds a degree in Environmental Sciences. Tori has a prior background in veterinary medicine, has worked with stranding teams, and as Education and Outreach Specialist for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. See some of her recently spearheaded and ongoing projects on the Wild Dolphin Foundation's research page.

Kara Smolarek Benson: Marine biologist, Veterinary Sciences MSc, specializes in marine mammals, with thesis: "Molecular Identification and Genetic Characterization of Cetacean Herpesviruses and Porpoise Morbillivirus," Kara has field experience with manatees, sea turtles, reef ecology in Australia and environmental education of the public; assisted with training sessions of dolphins and seals here at Sea Life Park - confirming her desire to keep 'em wild, has marine mammal stranding response training, and is advance SCUBA certified.

Melissa Evans-Shontofski: "Heart-core" animal lover, Melissa holds an undergraduate Biology degree from UP Pittsburgh, while   pursuing her master’s degree in Environmental Management.  In her vast travels as a military wife (who-ya!) she has held a wide array of environmental jobs including Naturalist for DNR, AmeriCorps member - focused on eradication of invasive species, a veterinary technician, and as a wildlife rehabilitation specialist.  She is now getting her sea legs with the Wild Dolphin Foundation.

Danielle, a high school honors student (her debate team recently won the State Finals!), is passionate about the ocean, specifically whales and dolphins (and her dog, in the picture to the left). She is only 16, but out on the water every chance she can get.  Staying focused on her goals in life keeps her well disciplined. Other crew members from Wild Side Specialty Tours and active volunteers in the Wild Dolphin Foundation are her biggest role models and helpful mentors as she follows her dreams to becoming a marine biologist.

Evan Connolly, a biology student at the University of Hawaii, has her sights on the conservation field. She has always had a strong interest in marine mammals and worked with bottlenose dolphins on the Big Island. She loves sharing her passion for the ocean, and her knowledge of both reef and open ocean inhabitants. Evan has been a competitive swimmer her whole life and loves being in the water as much as she can. She is certified in SCUBA and snorkels weekly.

Trish Bienz is an airline pilot for Mokulele Airlines and flies the interisland routes in Hawaii. When she is not hopping between the islands by air, she enjoys volunteering on board our vessels. She assists the crew and our guests with onboard duties and loves to share her love of the ocean and marine animals with others. She is a certified diver, and snorkels on a regular basis.