Erika Putman serves as the Director of Internship Programs for the National Marine Mammal Foundation, overseeing programs that support undergraduate Animal Care and Training Interns, Research Interns, Veterinary Externs, and U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen in collaboration with the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program.
Erika earned her degree in Psychology from the University of Arizona and brings more than two decades of experience in internship program leadership. She spent eight years working in dolphin cognitive research at Walt Disney World, where she also managed an internship program, before moving to San Diego in 2002 to lead internship programs for the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program.
Outside of work, Erika enjoys spending time with her husband, two teens, and two dogs. She also loves crafting with resin, creating ocean-inspired charcuterie boards, and glassware.
