Erin
Heydenreich is a field biologist with a
special interest in marine ecosystems.
Erin’s involvement in marine biology began
as an intern studying humpback whale
migration in Hawaii. She graduated in 2001
with a bachelors of science in biology and
ecology, with a specialization in tropical
biology and Spanish. Shortly after, she went
on to study marine mammal field techniques
at the University of Washington’s Friday
Harbor Marine Laboratories on San Juan
Island, where she researched habitat use of
resident type killer whales in Puget Sound.
It was here that she became involved with a
long term photo identification study of the
killer whales of Puget Sound. During her
time on the island Erin also works as a
naturalist aboard a commercial whale
watching vessel where she helps educate the
public about the Puget Sound Ecosystem. She
is specifically interested in killer whales
as their role as a top marine predator and
as an indicator species for the overall
health of the ecosystem.
Within her four years of involvement with
the Center for Whale Research Erin has
developed many of her skills as a field
biologist. She is comfortable and confident
in small boat handling and maneuvering
around marine mammals. She has become a
specialist in photo identification,
specifically of killer whales. She has also
become proficient in marine mammal surveys.
In addition to the experience she has gained
in the field, Erin has also become
experienced in team leadership. As a senior
staff member at the Center for Whale
Research, Erin directs and manages teams of
volunteers. This includes everything from
data collection and data entry to organizing
lectures and educational opportunities.
Erin
enjoys her role as an educator who is able
to bring the world of marine mammal science
to the many volunteers and tourists she
works with. As a person she is outgoing and
enthusiastic and gets along well with
others. She is very adaptable and is
comfortable in a variety of work conditions,
but is happiest when on a boat.
