Melissa Karlin

Melissa Karlin, Ph.D., is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Sustainability Education at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (2011), an M.S. (2005) and B.A. with Honors (2002) from Florida Atlantic University.

• Education:
  • Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Charlotte (2011)
  • M.S., Florida Atlantic University (2005)
  • B.A. with Honors, Florida Atlantic University (2002)

Karlin's research focuses on wildlife ecology, conservation biology, and the application of GIS and remote sensing technologies to study habitat use and land cover changes. Her work includes endangered species management, such as red wolf spatial ecology, and innovative educational programs for underrepresented students. She directs St. Mary's Office of Student Research and Inquiry (OSRI), emphasizing fieldwork integration into undergraduate research.

Her publications span topics like red wolf-coyote hybridization, wildlife trapping methods, and interdisciplinary education initiatives. Karlin also contributes to marine conservation studies and disease ecology in gopher tortoises.

She mentors students through hands-on field experiences and has collaborated extensively on regional wildlife diversity projects using camera trap technology.