M.A. Biology, Global Field Program, Project Dragonfly, Miami University, 2024
B.S, Marine Biology and Animal Behavioral Psychology, Florida Institute of Technology, 2007
Biography
Kristen Hannigan is a New York native who now lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her dog, Maddux, and her cat, Avery. An avid sports fan, she enjoys attending Atlanta Braves games and cheering on Atlanta United FC. She also loves traveling and exploring new destinations around the world.
Kristen began her career as an animal trainer in 2004, a path that ultimately led her to Georgia Aquarium, where she serves as Associate Curator of Mammals and Birds. In this role, she oversees the care and training of African penguins, Arctic seabirds, and Southern sea otters.
Deeply passionate about connecting conservation conversations to meaningful everyday actions, Kristen graduated from Project Dragonfly's Global Field Program in 2024. Her master’s project, “Connecting the Public to Conservation through Local Zoos, Mindset Shifts, and Ecotourism,” reflected her commitment to conservation engagement through education and experience.
Through her coursework with Project Dragonfly, Kristen traveled to Borneo, Namibia, and Mongolia, where she explored diverse conservation initiatives and community-based approaches taking place around the globe. She is now excited to continue inspiring others as a Community Learning Leader for Project Dragonfly.
