Cypress Hansen
Science, Art and Interpretation
Studying microplastic, larval ecology, and comb jellies as a marine biologist was thought-provoking and fascinating work. But when I got to share stories about my research with lab visitors and watch their faces light up with curiosity—those were the best days.
After dabbling in science education and leading my own tidepooling tours, I enrolled in the Science Communication Master's Program at U.C. Santa Cruz.
I have since written for Knowable Magazine, Mercury News, Scientific American, Smithsonian Voices, and more, about a range of topics including wildfire, noise pollution, whales, mosquito diversity, and fungi.
As the daughter of several generations of artists, I also create nature-inspired art through various media. My illustrations have appeared in print and my photos have been featured alongside several stories.
Today, I am the Science Communications Manager at the San Diego Natural History Museum.
Sifting through the contents of a plankton tow in the jelly culture lab at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Getting to know coastal critters of the Monterey Peninsula as an independent tidepool tour guide
Assisting a catch-and-release rockcod study inside Point Lobos State Marine Reserve to discern long-term success of marine protected areas
Setting live traps for ringtail cats in the foothills of San Diego as part of a larger study aimed at preventing ringtail roadkill.