Hannah Ferraro

2024 – 2025 Global Change Research Fellow

Statement of purpose:

Growing up, my favorite place was wandering in a salt marsh in Cape Cod. My constant curiosity and eagerness to explore the natural world around me drove me to pursue a career in marine science and to become an advocate for environmental change. As an undergraduate at Boston University, working towards my B.A. in Marine Science, I studied coastal ecosystem conservation and restoration. My focus was seagrass habitats, and I assisted in transplanting projects and studied microplastic accumulation within these systems. Seagrasses are a crucial marine ecosystem providing vital habitats, nursery grounds, food sources, and carbon sequestration. Unfortunately, seagrass beds are especially susceptible to the effects of climate change. Changes in sea level, salinity, temperature, and light are known factors affecting the growth and distribution of seagrass beds. While working with the University of the Virgin Islands and other local organizations, I want to bring attention to the importance of seagrass habitats and help aid future management, conservation, and restoration.

Description of research:

I am interested in how coastal ecosystems such as sandy beaches, and seagrass habitats are impacted by climate change and how humans can help minimize these impacts. My graduate research will investigate how nature-based solutions such as backshore and seagrass restoration are useful for combating the effects of climate change. I will also study how the growth and distribution of Halophila stipulacea, an invasive seagrass species, impacts coastal biodiversity and the structure and function of macrobenthic assemblages in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Understanding these impacts will allow for more efficient and effective conservation and preservation of these crucial habitats.

Contact Information:

Email: hannahferraro19@gmail.com

Faculty Advisor:

Dr. Guilherme Corte (Department of Marine and Environmental Science)