Heather Dawson

Heather Dawson is a Professor of Biology and Associate Director Academic Program at the College of Innovation and Technology, University of Michigan-Flint. She holds a joint appointment as Adjunct Associate Professor at Michigan State University's Fisheries and Wildlife department.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Fisheries and Wildlife and Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior (2007) - Michigan State University
• M.S. in Ecosystems Biology (Aquatic) (2003) - Eastern Michigan University
• B.Sc. in Biology (1997) - University of Michigan

Her research focuses on fisheries science and natural resource management, with particular emphasis on Great Lakes sea lamprey control, Flint River ecology, and urban stream water quality assessment. She develops management strategy evaluation models and utilizes biomarkers to assess river health.

Recent publications analyze invasive species control (sea lamprey pheromone trapping), dam removal impacts on river ecosystems, and autonomous underwater vehicle applications for ecological monitoring. Her work bridges applied conservation with ecological modeling.

Scientific Recognition:

• 2017 - Lucinda Hinsdale Stone Senior Women Faculty Award
• 2008 - Albert S. Hazzard Award of Excellence
• 2005 - Norman S. Baldwin Fishery Science Scholarship

Current grant-funded projects include Flint River dam removal monitoring, community solar feasibility studies, and sea lamprey management strategy development. She also provides expert witness testimony in environmental policy cases.