Sarah Hutchinson
Graduate student at Hawai’i Pacific University, Marine Science
I am a Master of Science in Marine Science student (MSMS) at HPU, conducting research at the Center for Marine Debris Research and the Oceanic Institute on Oahu. Additionally, I am a 2020 NOAA Nancy Foster Scholarship recipient, working with the national marine sanctuaries, specifically focusing on the science needs of Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. My research investigates the foraging ecology, plastic ingestion, and distribution of pelagic organisms to better identify Ecologically or Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs) in the North Pacific Ocean.
Born and raised in Annapolis, Maryland I spent the majority of my life on the water. I received a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and subsequently received a certificate in Ecosystem Restoration interested in coral reef restoration techniques. From 2017-2019, I worked at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center as part of the GESTAR Program, tracking and predicting the global spread of infectious vector-borne and waterborne diseases in relation to climate variabilities. Additionally, from 2012-2020 I was an Emergency Medical Services Manager in the D.C. metropolitan area before moving to the Gulf of Thailand for several months partaking in divemaster training.
I enjoy scuba diving, swimming, sustainable living, conservation outreach, photography, storytelling, exploring national parks, and backpacking abroad.
Sarah Hutchinson 