Driven by a passion for the natural sciences and a vision for her future, Hannah Heath, a 2025 graduate of the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, is eager to expand her knowledge in marine geosciences. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Heath majored in marine science and geological sciences with a minor in geospatial technology. In the fall, she plans to pursue a Master of Professional Science in Remote Sensing at the Rosenstiel School.
Why this major? How’d you get interested in the topic?
I’ve always been fascinated by how water and rocks preserve Earth’s history. When I moved to Florida during middle school, I learned how coral skeletons can record centuries of ocean chemistry, or how ice cores and seafloor sediments held information on past climates. These natural records aren’t just about the past; they can be used as tools to solve present day challenges, from coastal erosion patterns to understanding climate change. Pairing marine science with geological science felt like the perfect way to study Earth’s interconnected systems, while my geospatial technology minor lets me map and analyze those patterns in ways that can inform real world solutions.
What attracted you to the University of Miami?
UM stood out because it offered direct access to a world-class marine research and academic facility right on campus. I could literally walk from my classroom to a research vessel. The proximity wasn't just convenient; it meant I could apply what I learned in class immediately through hands-on work in places like Biscayne Bay and our surrounding coral reefs.
What where some of your favorite experiences at the University?
The Rosenstiel School has offered me a wealth of research-based opportunities, including the chance to complete my fieldwork certification in geology, to learn more about marine carbonates through my senior thesis conducted in the Oehlert Biogeochemistry Lab, to collect samples aboard the F.G. Walton Smith last summer with professor and ocean scientist Lisa Beal, and as a coral hatchery assistant for a year. These were all done while also learning about new ways to illustrate and communicate about these fields through my Canon fellowship and work with the director of communications at the Rosenstiel School, as well as Rescue a Reef.
Outside of research and classes, I’ve been fortunate to get involved with Rho Rho Rho Marine and Atmospheric Honor Society, where I served as president and vice president. Through these positions, along with my involvement in the Scuba Club, I have coordinated social events, planned beach cleanups and international field trips, and helped foster a sense of community among our more than 200 members.
How has the University prepared you for the future?
UM gave me the practical tools and support to turn my interests into a career path. When I started, I knew I loved science but had no idea how to translate that into a real-world profession. The University’s resources helped bridge that gap with facilities such as the Toppel Career Center. I believe I am graduating with far more than a degree; I have connections to amazing professors in my field, proficiency on many design and research platforms provided by the University, and a clear direction of what comes next.
Who or what made a great impact on your collegiate career?
Rho Rho Rho has been like a second family to me since freshman year. They say you’re the sum of the five people you surround yourself with, so consistently being surrounded by over a hundred other passionate, driven future marine scientists has pushed me to grow in ways I never expected. Through Rho, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to many amazing places such as Costa Rica; Puerto Rico; Boston, Massachusetts; Atlanta, Georgia; and Monterey Bay, California—experiences that have deepened my appreciation for marine ecosystems and broadened my view on all the amazing facilities and research out there.
My mentors have also played a huge role in shaping my journey. Sophomore year, I worked with Dalton Hesley in the Rescue a Reef program. I applied for the Canon Coral Restoration Fellowship with little confidence in my photography and outreach abilities. Despite not having the most extensive experience, Rescue a Reef recognized my genuine desire to get involved with their restoration efforts and to learn more about the power of social media. Through this opportunity, I became more proficient with my photography skills and saw firsthand the importance of bridging the communication gap between the scientific community and the public.
That same year, I took professor Ali Habashi’s climate resilience course, which ended up being my all-time favorite class. It was an interdisciplinary experience where I collaborated with architecture, data science, and policy students to design real-world climate solutions for campus. That class introduced me to ArcGIS Pro, sparking a fascination that led me to add a geospatial technology minor.
Later, as I transitioned from my Canon Coral Restoration Fellowship to a Canon Communications Fellow, I had the privilege of being mentored by Diana Udel, director of communications and public relations at Rosenstiel, who empowered me to take creative risks and to expand my portfolio. Her guidance helped me reimagine Rosenstiel’s social media as a platform for public engagement.
Professor Amanda Oehlert has also been instrumental in helping me refine my research and think critically about my future in marine geosciences. Each of these mentors, along with the Rho Rho Rho community, has challenged me, expanded my opportunities, and helped me realize my greatest potential. Without them, my University of Miami experience wouldn’t have been as transformative.
What experience or accomplishment are you most proud of?
Rho Rho Rho! When I joined the organization freshman year, it was a smaller club that met biweekly and focused on kayaking/snorkeling trips as well as beach cleanups. As president my senior year, I am amazed to see how much it has grown these last 4 years. We now have weekly, one-hour general meetings that include graduate student advice panels, marine science-themed games, cultural potlucks, internship/research seminars, and more. We grew from three to four trips a year to nine this last year. We went shark tagging with the Shark Research and Conservation Program, visited the New England Aquarium in Boston, went shark tooth hunting in Venice Beach, Florida, kayaked to Raccoon Island, conducted multiple tours of the NOAA AOML and Rosenstiel research facilities, and visited Monterey Bay Aquarium.
What is your favorite spot on campus?
The arboretum on the Coral Gables campus, I think it’s so underrated! Work, research, classes, and personal life can get so chaotic, and I am thankful to have a reliable spot on campus where I can go and ground myself. I find the arboretum to be one of the most peaceful, quiet places on campus.
What’s next?
I plan on becoming a double Cane by completing the Applied Remote Sensing Degree Track in the Master of Professional Science program at the Rosenstiel School. Deciding to take on geospatial technology as a minor my junior year, I quickly fell in love with the interdisciplinary capabilities of ArcGIS Pro and satellite imagery. I plan to apply this degree to my interests in coastal management and habitat conservation.
