Dr. Soraya Moein Bartol
Dr. Soraya Moein Bartol is the Kenneth R. Perry Dean of the Joan P. Brock School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. She holds a M.S. and Ph.D. of Marine Science from Virginia Institute of Marine Biology, College of William and Mary and a B.A. of Biology from the University of Virginia. She has been at Virginia Wesleyan University since 2005, most notably as a Professor of Marine Biology, Chair of the Biology Department, and Director of the Undergraduate Research Program.
For over 30 years, Dr. Bartol has researched the physiological ecology of sea turtles. During her tenure at Virginia Wesleyan University, she developed research techniques, both behavioral and electrophysiological, that allowed her to collect the first comprehensive assessment of sea turtle hearing throughout ontogeny. Currently she is using kinematic approaches to understand sea turtle swimming and possible gait mechanisms. She has received several university, national, and international research grants and awards while at VWU, including the Batten Distinguished Scholar Award.
Dr. Townsend is a native of Norfolk, a graduate of Maury High School, and an Eagle Scout. He lives in Norfolk with his dogs, Rosie, the Doberman, and Daisy, the chocolate Labrador Retriever.