Gabrielle Hammerbach

Gabrielle Hammerbach was a graduate research assistant at the University of Houston–Clear Lake, where she completed her master’s in biology in 2025. Her thesis, "Evaluation of microplastic loading in marsh habitats associated with Texas Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin littoralis)," was part of a larger project, Microplastic Distribution and Impacts to Diamond-backed Terrapin, Highlighting Public Education and Future Effects of Sea-level Rise, and she helped develop protocols for sediment collection and processing.

In addition to her thesis work, she gained field experience as a crew member for the 2023 National Rivers and Streams Assessment. She also contributed to both the Texas Clean Rivers Program and long-term monitoring of the Texas diamondback terrapin.

After graduating, she planned to pursue a PhD and a career in aquatic biology and conservation.