Laura May-Collado

Associate Professor · The University of Vermont · company speakers →

Dr. Laura J. May-Collado is a Costa Rican evolutionary biologist whose research explores the evolution of acoustic communication in marine mammals. Born and raised in Costa Rica, she earned her B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Biology from the University of Costa Rica and her Ph.D. in Biology from Florida International University. Her research focuses on characterizing the vocal repertoires of toothed whales to investigate their phylogenetic and ecological determinants, as well as their role in the rapid diversification of odontocetes. By integrating phylogenetics, bioacoustics, and behavioral ecology, Dr. May-Collado works with collaborators to build a more comprehensive understanding of the evolution of acoustic communication in whales. In addition to her research, she serves as Chair of the Committee of Scientific Advisors for the Society for Marine Mammalogy and as a member of the Marine Mammal Commission’s Committee of Scientific Advisors on Marine Mammals. She is also a Research Associate at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and a founding member of Panacetacea, a non-governmental organization that supports marine mammal research and professional development in Panama and Central America. Through these roles—and over a 30-year career in teaching and research—Dr. May-Collado has advanced understanding of Central American marine mammals while training students from across the region and beyond.

Is this you? Claim this profile →