Halaina Hahn

Growing up in Florida, Halaina developed a deep appreciation for the beach and became increasingly aware of the impacts of plastic pollution. She began studying microplastics during her undergraduate work in Biology and has continued this research as a Geoscience PhD student at Florida Atlantic University and a recent graduate of FAU’s Master’s program in Environmental Science, where her research focused on microplastics in coastal sediments.

She currently works with Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management in the Coastal Resources Division. Halaina is also actively involved with the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association, serving as the Shore & Beach Journal Intern, a member of the Board of Directors for Students and New Professionals, and President of the FAU student chapter.

Halaina is excited to work with Ocean First Institute to advance microplastic research and educate the public about the impacts of plastic pollution.