Biography

Micaiala Hamner is a science communication researcher, with a passion for shark conservation and environmental communication. Micaiala is a current Doctor of Philosophy student, who specializes in qualitative and quantitative science communication research. Micaiala holds an M.A. in Environmental Science and Policy from The University of Miami, as well as an M.A. degree in Strategic Communication and Leadership and a B.A. in Communication and Marine Biology from the University of West Florida. Micaiala has a passion for creating educational materials and developing novel strategies to help combat the world’s growing environmental crises. More specifically, she enjoys conducting research that analyzes environmental communication messages and the integration of narrative storytelling approaches to find innovative conservation solutions.

Currently, Micaiala’s research uses mixed-method approaches to analyze the role of zoos and aquariums as conservation spaces and their participation in disseminating conservation information to the public. This includes evaluating their strategies for curating content and studying how these organizations communicate environmental problems and solutions. Her passion for science communication research has taken her all over the U.S. and even to Australia to present her novel works. Micaiala uses her passion for strategic communication and environmental science to foster more collaborative interdisciplinary spaces.