Stephanie Hayes

Growing up in Southeast Alaska, Stephanie spent much of her childhood exploring the tide pools, rocky shorelines and temperate rainforests of the Inside Passage. Those early experiences led her to pursue advanced studies in Marine Biology, earning both a master's degree and a doctorate.

Her academic and research interests focus on nearshore ecology and cephalopods, and much of her work takes place on the water. In addition to marine research, Stephanie has led outdoor education programs in remote subarctic environments and participated in a variety of field research projects throughout Alaska. Her work combines scientific study with firsthand experience in the coastal and forest ecosystems of the North Pacific.
Stephanie maintains strong ties to the Indigenous communities of Southeast Alaska. She has participated in canoe journeys, apprenticed in both Ravenstail and Chilkat weaving traditions and taught traditional harvesting practices to Native youth in rural communities. These experiences have strengthened her connection to the region's cultural traditions and informed her approach to environmental education.

Drawing on her academic background, field experience and leadership within her Native community, Stephanie brings a perspective shaped by a lifelong connection to Southeast Alaska. Her interests span from marine ecology and rainforest ecosystems to traditional harvesting practices and Indigenous arts, providing travelers with insight into both the natural and cultural landscapes of the region.