Lauren Van Heukelem, M.S.
As the Hawaiʻi Response Manager, Lauren Van Heukelem is responsible for managing response staff and operations on Maui and Hawaiʻi Island. Previously, Lauren was responsible for running the Center’s 24-hour hotline for reporting seal sightings and coordinating a team of approximately 135 response volunteers that conduct outreach and population assessments on a daily basis.
Prior to joining the Center, Lauren served as the volunteer program coordinator for the Waikīkī Aquarium on Oahu, where she worked for three years. There she oversaw the volunteer program consisting of approximately 300 volunteers throughout eight programs (Animal Care, Education, Visitors Services, Gift Shop, Internships and more). During her time there, Lauren also assisted with marketing, events and animal husbandry.
Lauren received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in Marine Biology. She has participated in many research studies both in Hawaiʻi and the Northern Mariana Islands on various topics including algae, corals, intertidal organisms, Hawaiian tree snails and the Hawaiian bobtail squid.
Born and raised in Hawaiʻi, she brings a wealth of local knowledge and a deep connection to Hawaiʻi’s marine ecosystems. When she is not responding to seal haul-outs, she enjoys hiking, reading and binge-watching British mystery shows.
Areas of Expertise
- Rescue, Response and Dispatch
- Conservation
- Volunteer Management and Training
- Community Outreach
- Animal Husbandry
Talk to Our Experts
Our experts are available to comment on a variety of marine mammal and ocean health issues. Please contact our PR team at media@tmmc.org to schedule an interview.