Luan Heywood is a Research Associate at the International Ocean Discovery Program at Texas A&M University and a Marine Science Technician on the R/V JOIDES Resolution, the world's foremost scientific ocean drilling vessel.

Luan is passionate about equitable and accessible field research experiences, including structural program improvements for international scholars whose work is key to collaborative science in global seas. Luan serves on the leadership committee for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Geosciences (AAPIiG), a new affinity group focused on coalition-building and advocacy work among AAPI geoscientists.

Born and raised in Iowa City, Luan holds a B.S. from the University of Iowa and a M.S. from Western Washington University.