Conservation of Sea Stars in the North Atlantic Ocean
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Women in Science: Melina Giakoumis will discuss her research on Asterias sea stars and how they have declined drastically in recent decades, likely due to human-associated impacts on the intertidal habitat.
Asterias sea stars in the North Atlantic Ocean are an ecologically crucial species in an economically important region. Despite their importance, little is known about these animals. My research shows that Asterias sea stars have declined drastically in recent decades, likely due to human-associated impacts on the intertidal habitat. I am currently working with wildlife managers across the National Parks and seashores in New England to create and implement a conservation plan for these species, and ultimately hope to predict and mitigate any further loss in these important and interesting species.
Presenter Bio
Melina Giakoumis
Melina Giakoumis is the Associate Director of the Institute for Comparative Genomics at the American Museum of Natural History. She completed a PhD in Biology at the City University of New York in 2023, where she studied the population genomics and ecology of marine invertebrates, and used that research for conservation planning. Melina is interested in wildlife management and science communication, and was featured last year on a popular episode of The Story Collider. Melina also completed an MA in Conservation Biology at Columbia University in 2013 and a BA in Environmental Studies and Anthropology at Adelphi University in 2011.
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