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 Georgia with her two dogs, Maddux and Timber, and her cat, Avery. She is an avid sports fan, attending many Braves games and Atlanta United matches, and she loves to travel and visit new destinations. Her career as an animal trainer started during college and has brought her to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, where she serves as an Associate Curator of Mammals and Birds. In this position, she is responsible for the care and training of African penguins, arctic sea birds and sea otters.
Passionate about relating conversation solutions to everyday actions, Kristen graduated from the Global Field Program in 2024, with her Master Plan titled “Connecting the Public to Conservation through Local Zoos, Mindset Shifts and Ecotourism.” As part of her GFP coursework she traveled with Earth Expeditions to Borneo, Namibia, and Mongolia, learning about types of conservation action and local engagement being taken and engaged in all over the world. She is now thrilled to be a Community Learning Leader for the 2025 Earth Expedition trips!
