Mark Pokras is one of the old timers at the clinic, having been a veterinary student at tufts from 1980-84, a resident in zoo and wildlife medicine (under Dr. Charles Sedgwick, the Clinic’s first director) from 1985-87, a faculty member since 1988, and Clinic Director from 1995 – 2008. Mark is also one of the founders of Tufts TCCM. Mark grew up in New York, New Jersey, New England, Mexico and Venezuela, and did his undergraduate work at Cornell University. Next he (and wife Martha) worked in marine biological research from 1971-1974, and then taught ornithology and marine biology at Stockton State College in New Jersey until Mark entered Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. He regularly consults for a variety of private, state and federal wildlife and environmental agencies on issues of environmental health and policy. Mark’s professional interests include working with students, medicine and surgery of native wildlife (especially birds and reptiles), aquatic birds and environmental health, allometric scaling and conservation biology. He has been doing mortality research on loons since 1987 and is widely recognized for his work on lead poisoning. Mark enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, a variety of outdoor activities, and playing music.

Contact: mark.pokras@tufts.edu