Hannah Stewart

Hannah Stewart has a diverse work experience in various organizations and roles. Hannah currently serves as the Head of Science at Coral Gardeners since 2023. Prior to that, they worked as a Developer/Director at the University of California, Berkeley from 2019. Hannah also had roles at Tetiaroa Society as part of the Conservation and Sustainable Use Committee, and as the Ecostation Director/Resident Chief Scientist from 2014 to 2016.

Hannah Stewart's experience also includes being the Manager of Program IMPAC5 Secretariat at IMPAC5, where they led the Program Development team and collaborated with various organizations for the 5th International Marine Protected Area Congress. Hannah served as a Research Scientist at Fisheries and Oceans Canada since 2009, and they took a leave of absence in 2014-2016 and 2019. During their time at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, they led a marine ecology lab and conducted research on ecosystem function and resilience.

Additionally, Hannah Stewart worked as an on-board scientist on Fa'afaite traditional Polynesian sailing canoe for the Pew Foundation in 2017. Hannah also had the opportunity to be an Offshore sailor on S/V Hannah Rocks, sailing from Vancouver to Tahiti and through French Polynesia from 2014 to 2016. Hannah declined the position of Chief Technical Officer at IUCN in 2017.

Furthermore, Hannah Stewart had a teaching and research appointment with CRIOBE through the Government of France. Hannah mentored Masters students, conducted coral reef research, and participated in a field mission in French Polynesia in 2008-2009.

Hannah Stewart has a diverse education history in the field of marine biology. Hannah holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Integrative Marine Biology from the University of California, Berkeley. Prior to that, they obtained a Master's degree in Marine Sciences from California State University, Northridge. Hannah also participated in the East-West Marine Biology Program (Three Seas) at Northeastern University, where they studied Marine Biology in various locations including Friday Harbor, Jamaica, and Boston. Hannah completed their undergraduate studies at the University of Saskatchewan, earning a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) with Honours in Biology.

In addition to their formal education, Hannah has obtained several certifications related to their field of expertise. Hannah is certified in Marine Advanced First Aid through the Canadian Red Cross. Hannah has also completed the RHIOT - Advanced boat handling and rescue training offered by the Canadian Coast Guard. Furthermore, Hannah has received certifications in Scientific Diving, including rescue, O2, mixed gas, saturation (Aquarius Habitat), and is a PADI Open Water Instructor. With over 1500 dives in tropical and temperate marine habitats, their experience in these environments is extensive. Finally, Hannah is certified as a Swift Water Rescue Technician and a Wilderness First Aid Responder through Raven Rescue.