Katrin Iken

Katrin Iken is a Professor in the Department of Marine Biology at the University of Alaska, affiliated with the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. She also serves as Interim Director of the Institute of Marine Science and the Coastal Marine Institute. Her research focuses on trophic interactions, food web dynamics, and benthic communities in polar and deep-sea ecosystems. Specializing in stable isotope analysis and phycology, her work integrates scientific diving and environmental observations to study climate impacts on marine systems.

Current research spans Arctic biodiversity monitoring (AMBON), glacial discharge effects on nearshore ecosystems, and Antarctic macroalgal responses to reduced sea ice. She leads projects such as the Chukchi Borderlands Seafloor Communities study and evaluates ecological changes in Cook Inlet and Kachemak Bay. Over 150 peer-reviewed publications reflect her expertise in marine ecology and conservation.

Dr. Iken advises four graduate students (Zach Vayder, Margeaux Wayne, Sydney Wilkinson, Hannah Gerrish) and collaborates on multi-institutional initiatives like the RUSALCA program. Her work emphasizes international collaboration for Arctic biodiversity observation and policy-relevant science.