Melissa Coakley is interested in reptile and amphibian behavior both in the field and in captivity.  She keeps a wide variety of herps but has a special affection for Columbian tegus (Tupinambis teguixin).  She is very involved in her local herp society as well as the Turtle & Tortoise Club of Florida.  Melissa works as an adjunct philosophy instructor and spends her days off trekking around outdoors and photographing wild herps.