Robyn Ellen Hannigan is an American academic in the field of science, and an inventor and entrepreneur.

[6] As a young person, she was an enthusiastic but unsuccessful science student, receiving a D grade in her biology class.

[6] After working for her local health department after graduation, she found that she wanted to pursue higher education.

[7] Hannigan's previous positions include Founding Dean, School for the Environment, University of Massachusetts Boston; Program Officer, Division of Biological Infrastructure, National Science Foundation;[2] Graduate Program Director, Environmental Science Graduate Program, Arkansas State University; Co-founder and Chief Science Officer, GeoMed Analytical, Boston, Mass.

[7] Hannigan is the co-inventor of four patents: Peltier-cooled cryogenic laser ablation cell,[8] Detection of a component of interest with an ultraviolet laser and method of using the same,[9] Oral fluid assays for the detection of heavy metal exposure,[10] and Universal transfer apparatus and method to use same.