What is your favorite word?

Stewardship.

How do you define it?

The responsible oversight and protection of something worth caring for and preserving. It is a concept that goes beyond simple management: It implies a deep sense of responsibility and a commitment to ensuring long-term well-being.

How has this word influenced or inspired your career?

This word has influenced my career by framing my work not just as a job but as a commitment to understanding and protecting marine ecosystems. It has inspired me to approach specimen care, education, and research with a mindset of long-term responsibility for marine life and people.

What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned?

Inclusive communication: Engaging people from different backgrounds has shown me that real progress in science and conservation comes from shared understanding and collective purpose.

What do you consider to be your most important career achievement or milestone?

My most important career achievement or milestone was graduating with my degree, because then the real work could begin!

What do you aspire to accomplish in your career and why? What obstacles will you overcome?

I aim to deepen freshwater and marine conservation through education and public outreach. Funding gaps and public apathy will be key challenges, but I’m committed to overcoming them through research, collaboration, and engagement.

Describe an amazing opportunity in your STEM career.

Leading marine science programs for students has been incredibly rewarding. It lets me merge conservation with education and inspire young minds to care about the ocean.

How was AWIS helped you professionally and/or personally?

Though new to AWIS, I find that its mission resonates with me. As someone with a non-traditional background, I see AWIS as a valuable resource for mentorship, development, and support in navigating STEM.

What are you currently reading or listening to?

I’m currently reading The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk. I’m listening to the Chromakopia album by Tyler, The Creator.

What do you consider the best professional or personal advice you’ve ever received?

You don’t have to be perfect to make a meaningful impact. Just stay committed, stay curious, and keep showing up! 

Hannah S. Sinclair, a Museum Specialist at the American Museum of Natural History, is an ichthyology and marine conservation professional with a background in aquatic sciences, natural history collections, and science education. Her work focuses on the preservation of ichthyological specimens, including preparation, data management, and research support. She’s contributed to scientific fieldwork and led marine-science education programs. Sinclair passionately believes in the importance of protecting marine ecosystems through scientific stewardship and public engagement.