Through her leadership at MFBRP, her scientific contributions, and her advocacy for sustainability, Dr. Hanna Mounce plays a crucial role in the fight to save Hawaii’s unique and endangered bird species from extinction. Originally from the mainland U.S., Dr. Mounce developed a passion for island ecosystems and ornithology during her undergraduate studies in California and New Zealand. Hanna gained experience in the public and private sectors of avian conservation as a biologist and master bander across the US and Costa Rica before moving to Hawaii. She later earned her Ph.D. in biodiversity management and became a leading voice in Hawaii’s conservation community. She has spent 20 years working to protect and restore the habitats of Hawaii’s critically endangered forest birds, particularly the kiwikiu (Maui Parrotbill) and other native avian species. Hanna has experience designing, coordinating, and conducting large research and monitoring projects with diverse stakeholders and under her leadership, MFBRP has undertaken groundbreaking field research and implementation of novel recovery techniques in collaboration with organizations like the State of Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. While coordinating the recovery actions for MFBRP, Hanna also oversees an active volunteer program and develops public outreach for the Hawai‘i community and beyond.