Why did you decide to pursue a Master of Marine Affairs? 

I decided to pursue a Master of Marine Affairs because I was really looking to pursue an interdisciplinary graduate career. After I graduated from the University of Michigan, I worked seasonal positions across the United States. Many of these experiences allowed me to explore various disciplines within marine ecology, from research to education and outreach. While I truly enjoyed my positions in scientific research as well as education, I desired a job where I could combine my various interests rather than feeling they had to be separate. Another big push for me to pursue an interdisciplinary degree was feeling that most of my experiences in ecological-based research really left out the incorporation of communities and other knowledge systems. I had always prioritized intersectional ecology in my studies, getting degrees in marine ecology and Native American studies as an undergraduate student, and I was hoping to be able to combine those passions in a job setting. Unfortunately, many of the positions I held did not incorporate Indigenous Knowledge Systems, or other ways of knowing, so that was another big motivator in pursuing a degree at the University of Washington’s School of Marine and Environmental Affairs rather than a different graduate lab that was more solely focused on Western scientific research methods.

Describe your experience in applying to and selecting a graduate program.

It took me a couple of years to really delve into the application process for graduate school. I had always wanted to go back to school, but I also wanted to feel 100% confident in pursuing a degree I loved and felt passionate about. I worked for a couple of years between undergrad and grad school, which truly solidified my career interests in the field of marine ecology. When it came time to apply, I did research on various schools, programs, and advisors that complemented my academic interests. I made spreadsheets of program deadlines, emailed various advisors to see if they had space in their lab for new students, and worked on drafts for application essays. It was a fairly time-consuming process, but well worth it!

Tell us about your Capstone Project

I am working on a Capstone Project with the Elakha Alliance, a nonprofit organization based out of Oregon, trying to restore sea otter populations to their coastlines for ecological and cultural revitalization. This project is a little different than other capstones because it was not on the initial list of Capstone opportunities. Myself, and two of my friends in the program, decided to create our own project based on our passions of combining marine mammal conservation with Indigenous Knowledge Systems. Our deliverable for this Capstone is to create a report that explores previous sea otter reintroductions along the West Coast of North America, analyzing their ecological success, but more importantly, their cultural success. Many Indigenous communities have been impacted by sea otter reintroductions, and often times, their perspectives were not taken into account prior to the reintroduction taking place. The goal of this project is to create a framework for future marine mammal reintroductions that prioritizes Indigenous Knowledge and perspectives to ensure that these are community led efforts.

What has been your favorite class so far? Why?

My favorite class so far in SMEA has been SMEA 500: Introduction to the Human Dimensions of Global Change. In this class, we got to pursue group projects of our choosing, and it was incredibly fun to delve into a research project with our cohort. This was also one of the first classes we took in SMEA, so it was a wonderful way to get to know our peers as well as our faculty. Some of my earliest SMEA friendships began in that class and are still going strong to this day!

What do you like most about SMEA?

What I like most about SMEA is the environment. I have made lifelong friends through this program and met so many incredible people. The faculty is incredibly supportive and always striving to listen to student feedback and make improvements to the curriculum as they see fit. It is also such an exciting environment to be in. There are so many wonderful opportunities that stem from this program, and everyone is constantly excited to learn, think and create. It is incredibly stimulating academically and socially, and it has really made me love being in school again – I will be so sad to graduate!

What’s it like living in Seattle? What do you do in your spare time? Any favorite local spots?

Living in Seattle is wonderful! It was definitely an adjustment for me because it is my first time living in a city this large, so the number of people that live here was somewhat overwhelming. However, I quickly adjusted! This city is very vibrant and full of community. The neighborhoods each have their own personality, and there is incredible food, art and nature all around! One of my favorite things to do in the city is to walk Maple in Discovery Park! It is our daily dose of nature and tranquility. I also love hiking outside of Seattle, going tide pooling, trying new restaurants, going to art shows, and exploring different neighborhoods!

What is your favorite form of marine life and why?

Cliché answer, but definitely cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises). They are what made me initially fall in love with the ocean, and they continue to mesmerize me every day! I have been lucky enough to see many cetacean species in the wild, but I definitely still have a few I hope to check off the list: sperm whales and blue whales! Some other honorable mentions for favorite marine life include: mola mola, cuttlefish, sharks, rays, and nudibranchs! (and all the other ocean life – it is just all so amazing!)

If your time in SMEA was a movie, what would be the title? 

Whales, Friends, and School – Oh My! (a riff off of the lions, tigers and bears quote from Wizard of Oz – not creative but all I could come up with in the moment)