Verena is the Supervisory Biologist for one of the marine mammal conservation branches in NOAA Fisheries' Protected Resources in Alaska.  She graduated with a Masters of Science focusing on marine biology from the University of Alaska in 1999. She obtained her undergraduate degree in English literature and biology. Before joining NOAA Fisheries in 2016, she worked at the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (2014-2016), U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Marine Mammals Management (2002-2014), and the U. S. Geological Survey - Alaska Science Center (1992-2002). Her work has taken her all over the world studying and conserving seabirds, shorebirds and marine mammals. Her hobbies are trail running, skate skiing, exploring ridgelines, and fat tire biking.  When not working or outside recreating with her family she can be found at home with her menagerie of daughters and rescue dogs, turtle, and fish. To find out more about her publications and work go to the ResearchGate website.