Aleah Hahn
PhD Student
Colorado State University
Bio:
Water has followed Aleah Hanh throughout her collegiate research career. As an undergraduate researcher at Michigan State University, she focused on water quality. During her Master’s at Oregon State University, Aleah evaluated Stage 0 river restoration and its effects on threatened Chinook salmon using an individual-based model. Now, as a PhD student at Colorado State University, she studies river hydraulics through channel-spanning log jams—a key process for understanding channel evolution and the ecological outcomes of restoration. With this research background, Aleah’s values how a detailed understanding of river hydraulics helps water managers anticipate restoration impacts on water quality and target species. Her career goal is to improve river health while supporting scientifically informed and socially equitable solutions to water challenges.
In her spare time, Aleah serves on Larimer County’s volunteer Dive and Rescue Team. Through community engagement to improve water safety and responding to water-related emergencies, she aims to strengthen the community’s relationship with local waterways. For fun, she can often be found cycling in search of the best ice cream.
