Heidi Pearson during a humpback whale survey off Juneau in May 2025.
Photo credit: Chris Pearson
Congratulations to Dr. Heidi Pearson, Professor of Marine Biology at the University of Alaska Southeast, on receiving a prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award for 2025–2026! She will be based in Portugal’s Algarve region, conducting research on marine mammals in the newly designated marine protected area of Pedra do Valado.
Dr. Pearson will collaborate with AIMM–Marine Environment Research Association and the University of Lisbon, using a range of survey methods to monitor cetaceans and support marine conservation. She has previously worked with AIMM on separate research initiatives, including a project with the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC).
We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Pearson back to work with AIMM on this exciting new project!