Savannah State University has received a $100,000 donation from Robin Perrtree, a 2011 graduate of the university’s master’s program in marine sciences. The funds will support the Savannah State University Dolphin Sciences Lab (SSUDS Lab), which is led by Dr. Tara Cox.
The SSUDS Lab has been collecting data on Savannah’s local dolphin population since 2009. Researchers use photo-identification to track individual dolphins over time and have developed a long-term dataset. This work helps answer questions about dolphin social relationships, habitat ranges, travel patterns, and calving frequency.
Robin Perrtree, who currently manages the SSUDS Lab and was Dr. Cox’s first graduate student, made a significant discovery during her studies: Savannah’s dolphins are among the most persistent “beggars” in the world.
“My grandparents, Marjory and James Russell, highly valued education and supported my path after college as I started out as an unpaid intern conducting dolphin research and eventually came to SSU for my master’s degree,” said Perrtree. “I’m proud to have my grandmother’s estate help support the continued research and education that we conduct here in the SSU Dolphin Sciences Lab every day.”
“We are grateful to Ms. Perrtree for this very generous donation to our marine sciences program,” said SSU President Dr. Jermaine Whirl. “Her support will allow the program to continue its legacy of being the only one of its kind based in Southeast Georgia, with direct access to estuarine, coastal, and open-ocean research environments.”
In addition to its research activities, the lab trains students at all levels through lab and fieldwork opportunities. Students also present their findings at scientific conferences at various levels. The lab aims to increase minority representation within marine mammal science by providing early exposure for students.
Perrtree’s donation is expected to help maintain these efforts and support future generations of marine scientists focused on biology and conservation of marine mammals in Savannah.
