Rikki McDaniel holds a BS degree in Marine Biology with a minor in Forensic Science from the University of West Florida. She is currently a student at University of Florida working on a MS in Wildlife Forensics and Conservation. She has more than 15 years professional experience in the marine sciences and forensics field. Using her passion for wildlife forensics, population genetics and interest in zoonotic diseases, she hopes to be an instrumental part of interrupting supply chains and illicit wildlife trade.