Jennifer Dijkstra

Dr. Jenn Dijkstra is a Research Associate Professor at the University of New Hampshire, affiliated with the Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping. Her research focuses on characterizing benthic environments using remote sensing technologies and in-situ observations.

• Education
  • B.A., University of New Brunswick
  • M.Sc., University of Bremen
  • Ph.D., Zoology, University of New Hampshire

Research interests include marine biodiversity, invasive species dynamics, climate change impacts, and coastal ecosystem monitoring. She employs active acoustics, unmanned aerial imagery, and diver surveys to study diverse marine habitats from deep-sea hydrothermal systems to kelp forests.

Recent publications (2021-2025) analyze machine learning applications for coral reef detection, 3D rugosity mapping of marine habitats, climate change effects on community diversity, and invasive seaweed impacts on ecosystem structures. Her work spans temperate reefs, deep-sea environments, and estuarine systems.

• Selected Research Grants
  • Nature Conservancy (2023): SOAR 1.0 Monitoring
  • Nature Conservancy (2022): Quantifying Long-Term Changes
  • Reg Assoc. for Gulf of Maine (2020-2022): Historic Data Analysis
  • NOAA (2016-2021): Hydrographic Research

Teaching activities include supervising Doctoral Dissertation Research (BIOL 999, ZOOL 999) and mentoring students in Advanced Research Experience (INCO 790). She also chairs the University of New Hampshire Diving Control Board and serves as a University Member Representative on New Hampshire's Coastal Marine Resources Commission.