Shannon Atkinson

Shannon Atkinson is a Professor in the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences at the University of Alaska, specializing in marine mammal physiology with a focus on stress responses, reproductive biology, and environmental impacts. Based in Juneau, Alaska, her research integrates field studies and laboratory analyses to understand how marine species adapt to ecological challenges.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Animal Science from Murdoch University (1985)
• M.S. in Animal Science from University of Hawaii at Manoa (1981)
• B.S. in Animal Science from University of Hawaii (1978)

Research Focus: Dr. Atkinson investigates physiological adaptations of marine mammals to climate change, contaminants, and anthropogenic stressors. Her work emphasizes endocrine mechanisms, reproductive health, and nutritional physiology across species including sea otters, harbor seals, and Steller sea lions. She develops non-invasive monitoring techniques for stress and pregnancy detection in remote Alaskan ecosystems, contributing to conservation strategies for vulnerable populations.

Publication Trends: Her recent publications reveal consistent emphasis on stress physiology and environmental interactions, with increasing focus on field-based endocrine monitoring and contaminant impacts. Articles span marine mammalogy, comparative physiology, and conservation biology, highlighting interdisciplinary approaches to understanding species resilience in changing oceans.

Scientific Awards: No major scientific awards were documented in the provided information.

Advising and Grants: Dr. Atkinson mentors graduate students including Courtney Pegus, Janessa Esquible, Jessie Hoffman, and Annette Jarosz. Her funded research projects address Pacific walrus reproductive dynamics, whale stress/pregnancy detection, salmon endocrinology, groundfish recruitment, Cook Inlet beluga monitoring, pinniped stress responses, and marine mammal reproductive biology.

Professional Engagement: She actively contributes to conservation through the Steller's Eider Recovery Team (2003-present), Society for Marine Mammalogy (1991-present), and Spectacled Eider Recovery Team (2003-present), while maintaining affiliations with zoological associations and research societies across Alaska.