Hannah Mittelstaedt

Hannah Mittelstaedt is pursuing a Ph.D. in Ecology and Environmental Sciences at the University of Maine. Her research is focused on discerning how anthropogenic and environmental pressures change coastal ecosystems by assessing the effects of seaweed harvest on invertebrate communities and food-webs. Hannah is passionate about studying marine invertebrates, everything from tiny worms, to crabs and snails, and their diverse roles in ecosystems. Along the coast of Maine, many of these creatures can be found in intertidal seaweed beds, where they provide food for seabirds and fish. Intertidal seaweed harvest is an important commercial industry in Maine. Hannah works with a diverse network of stakeholders, including members of the harvesting industry, conservation groups, regulatory agencies, and private landowners, in order to ensure that her research is addressing relevant questions and will be used to inform coastal resource management. After completing her Ph.D., Hannah hopes to continue to use her role as a researcher to engage with stakeholders and work together towards the sustainable management of coastal resources and a greater environmental good.

Hannah received a B.S. in Environmental Science and Marine and Conservation Biology at Seattle University. Prior to attending graduate school, she worked for the U.S. Geological Survey Western Ecological Research Center, where she contributed to research on marine and estuarine habitats in San Francisco Bay and their restoration and recovery from disturbance. When she is not ankle-deep in seaweed, Hannah enjoys running, rock climbing, crafting and spending as much time in nature as possible.