Robyn E. Hannigan

Robyn Ellen Hannigan is an American academic in the field of science, and an inventor and entrepreneur. She was the 19th president of Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pa., having previously served as the provost of Clarkson University. Hannigan began her duties on July 1, 2022, and was abruptly removed from her position on October 23, 2025.

Hannigan and her colleagues have developed four patents and technologies, including one which resolved an analytical chemistry instrument communication issue, and another which was a medical application technology.

Early life Hannigan grew up in New Jersey. Her mother was a member of the Narragansett Nation. As a young person, she was an enthusiastic but unsuccessful science student, receiving a D grade in her biology class.

Career Hannigan's previous positions include Founding Dean, School for the Environment, University of Massachusetts Boston; Program Officer, Division of Biological Infrastructure, National Science Foundation; Detection of a component of interest with an ultraviolet laser and method of using the same, Oral fluid assays for the detection of heavy metal exposure, and Universal transfer apparatus and method to use same.

Awards Hannigan is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2010), a Fellow of the Geological Society of America (2008), a recipient of the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Award for Encouraging Disadvantaged Students into Careers in the Chemical Sciences from the American Chemical Society (2007), and a Fellow of the Aldo Leopold Leadership Program (2001).