Savannah State University has named Dr. Amanda M. Kaltenberg as the new chair of its Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences within the College of Sciences and Humanities.
Dr. Kaltenberg, who joined the department in 2013, teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses in oceanography, fisheries, and data analysis methods. She also manages the Coastal Oceanography Lab, which uses bio-acoustic techniques to study how biological and physical factors interact in marine environments.
Her work has been supported by research grants from organizations such as the National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. These grants have enabled students in the department to participate in learning and research activities.
Recent projects led by Dr. Kaltenberg include studies on how conditions in the Gulf Stream affect sound-scattering layers and marine mammal predators. She has also used coastal ocean observatory data to create student internship opportunities focused on understanding how climatological events impact estuaries.
“Since 2013, Dr. Kaltenberg has been a dedicated faculty member devoted to student learning and research opportunities that advance the interest of both the students and the university,” said Dr. Teresa Shakespeare, dean of the College of Sciences and Humanities. “Her passion and dedication to her students and her proven track record as an educator and researcher make her a perfect leader for our Department of Marine Sciences.”
Dr. Kaltenberg earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of North Dakota, a master’s degree in oceanography from Texas A&M University, and a Ph.D. in oceanography from Oregon State University.
