Sam Machotka, DVM, Ph.D.

Sam Machotka (1946-2025) passed away on 16th November, in Sebring, Florida. Sam was actively engaged with Archbold in many respects and served on Archbold’s board from 2020 until his passing. His professional and personal background was highly relevant and particularly valuable to Archbold. Born in Austin, Texas, he went on to receive his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University (1969) and his Ph.D. from George Washington University Medical School (1995). He was a clinical veterinarian and pathologist in the US Army Veterinary Corps from 1969-1978 and a Veterinary Pathologist at Hazleton Labs/Covance Labs from 1978-1998. In his professional career, he specialized in Veterinary Pathology, including veterinary pathology of pharmaceuticals, with 19 publications in this and related fields. Sam also had an extensive business background.

Sam and his wife Joyce purchased their home in Sebring in 2013. Never one to ‘sit-around’, in early 2017, Sam read an article about Archbold in the Highlands Today local newspaper about the use of drones in ecological monitoring. He actively reached out, letting us know he was interested in Archbold. Building on that fortuitous start, Sam always displayed a hunger for knowledge, a willingness to bring his expertise to the table, and extraordinary generosity in support for Archbold. Sam was at heart a scientist; he dove deeply into all Archbold’s science, enjoying many seminars and workshops. He was good at identifying and cementing synergies among Archbold programs, and between Archbold and other institutions. With his extensive agriculture background and expertise in animal health, he was fascinated by the agroecology work at Buck Island Ranch and took great pleasure in interacting with Gene Lollis and Betsey Boughton. Over time, the depth and breadth of his experiences and interests manifested themselves in multiple projects, although foremost amongst them at Archbold were drone technology and education.

To say that Sam was a tech geek would be an understatement. He was fascinated by the potential for drones, loved experimenting with them, and was drawn to how to deploy them at Archbold. It’s hard to forget his wild enthusiasm while presenting a special science seminar, in conjunction with South Florida State College, on the use of drones for delivering dragon eggs (ping pong balls with incendiary materials) for prescribed fire as used in land management. He and Vivienne Sclater, Director of Data and Technology at Archbold, were a great match, scheming endlessly. With Sam’s financial support for equipment and technology staff, Archbold built a cutting-edge drone program, becoming a global field station leader in the capacity of drones for science and conservation. Sam’s other area of focus at Archbold was supporting education, where he worked very closely with his wife Joyce. It was always clear, at meetings and public events, how much respect he held for Joyce and her passion for education and underserved children. He was continually supportive and thoughtful about Joyce’s education endeavors. Together, the Machotkas’ deep belief in the power of education helped many organizations, including Archbold, realize their education goals. Archbold’s Director of Education, Dustin Angell, was always appreciative of their support. Sam and Joyce were a formidable team—kind, perceptive, thoughtful, caring, and generous.

In his final days, Sam took the time to send a touching farewell letter to Archbold’s staff and Board, describing how much respect he held for us, and for the organization. That feeling was mutual, we held Sam Machotka in the highest regard. The entire Archbold community will miss Sam. Scientist, veterinarian, technology aficionado, businessman—we were fortunate such a modern renaissance man emerged into Archbold’s sphere, and we will remember with great gratitude all that he did for us. Archbold sends deepest condolences to Sam’s wife Joyce, and to their daughter Dara, son Justin, stepson Dee, and grandchildren Alexis and Nia.

Hilary Swain, Executive Director Emerita

John Fitzpatrick, Chair of the Board of Directors, Archbold Expeditions

Vivienne Sclater, Director of Data and Technology