Michelle Staudinger

Michelle Staudinger is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Conservation at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and an Ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). She serves as the Science Coordinator for the Department of the Interior’s Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, collaborating with regional stakeholders to assess climate impacts on ecosystems and develop adaptive strategies. Her research focuses on climate change effects on biodiversity, coastal ecosystems, and ecosystem services, with emphasis on phenological shifts in marine species and climate-driven ecological changes.

Staudinger holds a Ph.D. in Marine Science and Technology/Natural Resources Conservation from UMass Amherst (2010), alongside advanced degrees in Marine and Atmospheric Science (Stony Brook University, 2004) and Marine Biology/Environmental Science (Boston University, 1997). Her expertise spans marine ecology, fisheries management, and conservation biology, with fieldwork in coastal and pelagic ecosystems.

Her recent publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to understanding climate impacts, including studies on fish migration patterns, seabird foraging ecology, and the role of sand lances in marine food webs. She emphasizes translational science, bridging academic research with practical conservation strategies. Her work often involves collaborative networks, such as the Early Career Climate Forum, to enhance climate science communication and policy integration.

Staudinger’s research also addresses coastal resilience, integrating ecological and human community planning. She leads efforts to synthesize climate vulnerability assessments and develop actionable management frameworks for natural and cultural resources. Her affiliations include the Gloucester Marine Station, where she explores coastal blue economy challenges and marine ecology in the Gulf of Maine.