Rate My Professor Hanna Maria Ravn

Hanna Maria Ravn is a Professional Practice Fellow in the Department of Marine Science within the Division of Sciences at the University of Otago, based at the New Zealand Marine Studies Centre in Portobello Marine Laboratory. As a Nordic science educator and ecologist, she has spent the last eight years living and learning in Aotearoa New Zealand. Her work bridges marine research, education, and community engagement, particularly in the context of coastal ecology and conservation challenges.

Ravn's postgraduate research focuses on the conservation of pakake, the New Zealand sea lion, a taonga species returning to urban coastal areas in Ōtepoti Dunedin. Having been involved in pakake conservation for several years, she piloted an education programme designed to make pakake research more accessible and inclusive, responding to community calls at pakake hui. Her part-time thesis examines three key areas: an updated diet analysis for local female pakake and their offspring, the last comprehensive study of which was conducted 15 years ago; development of non-invasive sampling methods; and fostering community involvement for meaningful dialogues on coexistence. Diet samples are sourced from poo and vomit left at haul-outs, often reported by residents or rangers across Ōtepoti, with over 350 samples collected to date. Approximately one-third of these samples are linked to known individuals, allowing analysis of prey preferences based on sex, age, and whakapapa. In early 2025, she plans an anonymous public survey to gather community perspectives on pakake encounters, worries, and ideas for harmonious living. Results from both samples and the survey will inform tailored sessions with coastal community groups. This project aligns with the Department of Conservation's new Action Plan for pakake, including creation of a tohu by Kate Stevens West from prey diet remains, with samples preserved for future educational resources. Ravn's efforts emphasize collaboration with supervisors, local communities, conservation groups, and rangers. She actively engages the public through talks such as 'Urban sea lions and their guardians' and contributions to the Thirst for Knowledge series, exploring stories, myths, and science connecting people to this returned species. Her interests extend to participatory science and citizen science initiatives.