Blackburn College is proud to welcome Dr. Mary Colleen “MC” Hannon as a new member of the biology faculty. A marine biologist with expertise in invertebrate zoology, Dr. Hannon brings a student-centered approach to teaching and a dynamic research background to the college community.
Originally from Illinois, Dr. Hannon earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Humboldt State University in Arcata, California, and her Ph.D. in Marine Biology from Texas A&M University in Galveston. She later completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., where she continued her research on marine invertebrates.
Dr. Hannon’s academic work focuses on how marine invertebrates move, function, and interact with their environments—particularly polychaete worms. Her research integrates morphology, biomechanics, and physiology, utilizing advanced tools such as micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) to study how anatomical structure shapes behavior and evolution.
At Blackburn, Dr. Hannon is committed to fostering scientific curiosity and confidence in her students. She designs her courses around active learning and real-world application, encouraging students to connect classroom theory to their lived experiences.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Hannon values the College’s mission of community and service. She looks forward to contributing to Blackburn’s distinctive work program and its connection to the natural history of the region. In her free time, she enjoys ultimate frisbee, weightlifting, golf, cross-stitching, and spending time outdoors with her husband.
Blackburn College is excited to welcome Dr. Hannon and looks forward to the energy and expertise she brings to the campus.