Team Bio

The Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder Research department is comprised of three women with combined experience in marine mammal science totaling over thirty years. Jill, Holli and Kelley also lecture at the University of Miami's graduate school, the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmopsheric Science. They enjoy advising graduate projects that benefit the students and the scientific community. Areas of particular interest include dolphin welfare, communication, cognition, and behavior.

Kelley Winship

I am a Research Associate at the not-for-profit organization Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder. I received my Bachelor's degree from the University of Miami in Marine Science and Biology, and attended the University of Southern Mississippi for my Master's and Doctorate degree in Experimental Psychology. I have always been fascinated by dolphin cognition, and I strive to conduct research that is not only engaging for the animals, but provides meaningful information in order to better conserve and protect these species.

I am also a lecturer at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, teaching a graduate level course discussing the conservation, research, and management strategies practiced with marine mammals. I strive to provide my students with hands-on learning opportunities, career and research guidance, and a strong foundation of knowledge in the field.

Jill Richardson

I began working as a scientist in the marine environment over 24 years ago in the Turks and Caicos Islands, where I assessed the sustainability of local lobster harvesting practices. This is where my passion for other cultures and conservation-focused marine science began. My desire to mix creativity, education, and research led me to Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder, where I developed extensive research and experiential learning programs for students of all ages and marine science educators.

I am also a faculty member at the University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science and the Director of the Marine Ecosystems and Society Department. I teach and mentor both undergraduates and graduates, with an emphasis on local, marine ecosystems and practical field training. My overarching goal is to foster innovation, environmental stewardship, and civic engagement.

Holli Eskelinen

Learning about the marine environment and advancing our understanding of marine mammals is my passion! Hired at Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder in early 2001, my dream of working and learning about dolphins was fulfilled. Through the evolution of wanting to work with dolphins, to striving to learn more about their behavior, communication, cognitive abilities, and how they perceive their world I realized that acquiring knowledge about animals, contributing to the existing body of scientific literature, and educating the public is crucial to protecting and furthering our understanding about the marine environment.

For the past decade, we have conducted and published research on marine mammal behavior, cognition (imitation, working memory, perception, innovative behavior), acoustics (communication), animal welfare, energetic requirements and nutrition, clinical reference intervals, and participated in national and international scientific conferences. Currently, I also work as a lecturer at the University of Miami in the Marine and Atmospheric Science Department and adjunct at the Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition Laboratory at the University of Southern Mississippi, where I have the privilege of serving on the committees of numerous graduate students (Masters, Ph.D.). I am passionate about assisting students with project development, data collection analysis, and dissemination through publication, with the ultimate hope of inspiring young scientists to contribute to the field. My enthusiasm for advancing marine mammal science is fueled daily by the numerous non-invasive, independent investigations; I embrace the role as scientist, caretaker, and educator.