Jeannik Littlefield
About Me
I’m a young scientist with a deep commitment to the environment, combining biology, philosophy, and psychology to understand human behavior and drive scientific solutions that protect our planet.
Whether I’m researching coral restoration at WHOI, presenting at COP28, at AMLC or installing water filters in schools, I aim to blend scientific rigor with compassion and bold, systems-level thinking.
Academia is such an important part of my life. I want to think deeply about complex problems and create solutions to help our planet. I take lessons from the classroom into real life discoveries and real life community contributions.
“Nikki is without a doubt in the top 1% of all students I’ve worked with. She is one of the students that makes my teaching career truly worthwhile.“ - Dr. J. Anton, AP Chemistry Teacher, Hawai’i Preparatory Academy
“One of the many qualities that make Nikki exceptional is her composure under pressure. She approaches scientific challenges with the calm focus of my postdoctoral researchers and stands among the top one percent of young scientific minds I’ve encountered in the United States.” — Dr. Anne Cohen, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
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Moth Light Tunnel Experiments – University of Würzburg, Germany
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Local Hawai‘i Paper Features Wai Kumu Water Project
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Investigating Sea Urchin Genetics at Stanford’s Hopkins Marine Station
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Studying Coral Water Flow Dynamics at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
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Moth Experiments at the University of Würzburg, Germany
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Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance Conference – Poster Presentation (2023)
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Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy Announces Student Awards (2023)
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COP28 -United Nations Ocean Pavilion, co-host Dubai, 2023
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Cohen Lab's meeting at WHOI
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JSHS Pacific and Hawaii Group Photo 2025
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Investigating Light Pollution Effects on Moth Behavior (Lepidoptera)
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Installing Reverse Osmosis Water Filters in Hawai‘i Schools
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COP28 Presentation – United Nations Ocean Pavilion, Dubai (2023)
Putting knowledge into action.
My work explores how science connects to everyday life—from understanding how water flow shapes coral resilience to reducing single-use plastics in Hawai‘i schools. I’ve learned that knowledge only matters when it inspires change, whether in the lab, the field, or the community. Each project deepens my sense of responsibility to apply science where it can do the most good.
I’m driven by a deep curiosity about the natural world, and a belief that science should serve both people and the planet.
I’ve seen the fragility of coral ecosystems while diving in Hawai‘i, and I’ve studied how water flow affects coral survival in labs from WHOI to Stanford. But it’s not just research that moves me, it’s action.
I had the privilege of participating with these friends at the West Hawai’i Science Fair in early 2025, and winning:
Honored to have won Best in Fair Award and
Best in Category Award
