Sarah K. Henkel

Sarah K. Henkel is an Associate Professor in the Department of Integrative Biology at Oregon State University's College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, based at the Hatfield Marine Science Center. She serves as Associate Director of the Pacific Marine Energy Center, focusing on ecological impacts of marine renewable energy and coastal development.

Education:

• PhD, Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Marine Science, University of California - Santa Barbara (2008)
• M.S., Biological Science, California State University - Fullerton (2003)
• B.S., Biology, College of William and Mary

Her research spans benthic ecology, biodiversity conservation, and organismal responses to anthropogenic stressors such as climate change, invasive species, and offshore energy installations. She employs habitat suitability modeling and field surveys to assess ecological changes and potential impacts of human activities on marine ecosystems. Her work includes tagging studies on rockfish, lingcod, and Dungeness crab to evaluate responses to seismic surveys.

Dr. Henkel is involved in significant funded research, including an Oregon Sea Grant award of $1.15 million for marine-related projects. She teaches undergraduate courses such as Pacific Northwest Coastal Ecosystems (BI 353), Ecology (BI 370), and Marine Algae, Conservation and Policy (BI 450), fostering student inquiry and civic engagement in marine science.

Scientific Awards and Funding:

• Oregon Sea Grant award of $1.15 million for marine-related research

As a lab leader, she advises students through the Benthic Ecology Lab at HMSC, where research includes marine renewable energy assessments, habitat modeling, and studies of anthropogenic noise impacts. Her interdisciplinary work bridges science and policy, particularly in marine conservation and energy planning.