Meet Hana Johnson: Shaw Institute’s New Lead Aquarist!
The Shaw Institute is thrilled to welcome Hana Johnson to the team as our new Lead Aquarist! In this role, Hana will oversee the care of our marine life and manage the upkeep of our interactive 200-gallon Touch Tank in our Environmental Education Center.
Holding a Bachelor’s in Marine Science with a concentration in Marine Biology and a minor in Aquaculture, Hana brings extensive hands-on experience to the institute. Her background includes internships with Sea and Reef Aquaculture and the Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research at the University of Maine, alongside a year of dedicated community outreach leading 4-H mobile touch tanks and summer camps.
Driven by a deep passion for ocean health and marine life, Hana is ready to dive into her new role. We caught up with her to learn more about her journey, her vision for community programming, and what makes her so excited to join the Shaw Institute.
From the Midwest to Maine
Hana’s path to marine biology began in high school after watching a documentary on scientific diving. Her passion for aquaculture developed after moving to Maine for college. “I took an introduction to aquaculture course that opened my eyes to how it could be used as a conservation tool, not just for the food industry,” she explains.
Connecting with Blue Hill
Hana is eager to build hands-on programming for the local community. “Young people in the community are the future,” Hana says. “Showing and teaching them about the Gulf of Maine can help us conserve it for generations to come.”
Touch Tank Favorite
Her favorite animal to highlight? Sea stars! “Many people don’t know they are great predators,” Hana shares. “They rely on chemoreceptors on their legs that tell them where to get food. So cool!”
Life Beyond the Lab
When she’s not at the institute, Hana enjoys cross-stitching ocean-themed projects, fostering cats and kittens, and exploring the outdoors with her partner, Sasha.
Welcome to the Shaw Institute, Hana! We are incredibly excited to see the impact you will make on our marine ecosystems and our community.