Meet the Team

Veterinary Forensic Pathologist

Adam W. Stern

Dr. Adam W. Stern is a Professor of Forensic Pathology at the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Stern received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Prince Edward Island, Atlantic Veterinary College. He is a Board-Certified Veterinary Pathologist and is a Founding Fellow in Veterinary Forensic Pathology (ACVP). Dr. Stern is a Director of the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences and is the chair of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists Fellowship Training Committee. He maintains a leadership position in three Animal Cruelty Task Force within Florida.

Veterinary Forensic Pathologist

Beatriz Ribeiro

Dr. Beatriz Ribeiro is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Veterinary Forensic Pathology at the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Ribeiro received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Universidade Estácio de Sá (Brazil). She is a Board-Certified Veterinary Pathologist (ACVP). Dr. Ribeiro is involved with the training of veterinary students in the animal forensic sciences and is actively involved with multiple Animal Cruelty Task Forces in Florida.

Clinical Instructor

Samantha Polk

Dr. Samantha Polk is a Clinical Instructor of Veterinary Forensic Pathology at the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Polk received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Glasgow (Scotland) and received her Master of Science in Veterinary Forensic Science from the University of Florida. She completed her anatomic pathology training and the Oregon State University. Dr. Polk is involved with the training of veterinary students in animal forensic science and working up cases submitted to the VFSL.

Forensic Veterinary Technician

Mary Yarborough

Mary is a Forensic Veterinary Technician at the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine. She performs ancillary diagnostic tests, photographs cases, communicates with clients about the status of cases, and maintains the daily function of the lab. She will also serve as a mentor to the students and professionals that spend time with us in the lab.

Student Administrative Assistant

Sommer Soderman

Sommer Soderman is a Student Administrative Assistant in the laboratory. She will be providing administrative support for a range of laboratory tasks.

Forensic DNA Analyst

Eileen Roy-Zokan

Dr. Eileen Roy-Zokan is a Forensic DNA Analyst/Research Scientist at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Dr. Roy-Zokan received her MS in Marine Biology from the University of Charleston and a PhD in Genetics from the University of Georgia. She is a Courtesy Assistant Professor within the UF Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine. Dr. Roy-Zokan is involved with the training of law enforcement officers, animal control officers, attorneys, veterinarians, and veterinary students in the animal forensic sciences.

Laboratory Technician

Elizabeth Stocker

Elizabeth is a Laboratory Technician at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. She assists with maintaining the chemical inventory in the laboratory, processing samples submitted to the laboratory and assists with programmatic outreach to stakeholders.

Jacksonville Humane society

Adam Leath

Adam Leath is the Senior Director of Shelter Collaboration at the Jacksonville Humane Society. He received his MS in Veterinary Forensic Science from the University of Florida. His undergraduate degree was in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee. He is a Courtesy Assistant Professor within the UF Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine. Mr. Leath has over 18 years of experience investigating crimes against animals with state and national organizations. He was formerly a Regional Director of the Field Investigations and Response Team at the ASPCA. He has led both municipal and non-profit animal welfare organizations. He is currently involved with the training of law enforcement officers, animal control officers, attorneys, veterinarians, and veterinary students in the animal forensic sciences, with emphasis on scene response.

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Animal Law

Jamie McManus, J.D.

Jamie McManus, J.D. (Florida A&M University College of Law, 2013) is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Animal Law. She is a former prosecutor who served as head of the Animal Cruelty Unit in the Office of the State Attorney for Orange County, Florida. In that role, she led numerous high prosecutions involving animal abuse and dogfighting. Her work earned recognition from the ASPCA and the Animal Legal Defense Fund for her contributions to advancing animal-cruelty enforcement. At the University of Florida, she teaches and mentors students in the practical applications of animal law.

Syndey Downey

Sydney Downey is a 2025-2026 undergraduate student researcher. As part of her research she will be working on the development of a box turtle database which will be used to assist with investigations involving the smuggling of box turtles.

Ella Weisz

Ella Weisz is a 2025-2026 undergraduate student researcher. As part of her research she will be looking at the incidence of Babesia gibsoni in Florida in dogs in animal shelters, specialty practices, and dogs involved with dogfighting. This work is being done to support our continued efforts to investigate suspected dogfighting cases in the southeastern United States.