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

I got my B.S. in environmental science so majority of my classes were natural sciences. After graduating from undergrad, I interned with a non-profit organization back home in Hawai’i called Mālama Maunalua. During this internship, I worked on a storm water management project and became interested in learning about how policies are placed to protect both marine ecosystems and human health. I’m interested in storm water management, as well as marine resource management. I enjoy a balance of both natural and social sciences and this master program was perfect as it focuses on the intersection of public policy and natural and social sciences.

Why did you decide to attend the UW, and SMEA specifically, for graduate school?

I attended a small university in Lacey, WA for undergrad and fell in love with the state’s weather (yes I do love the cold, rainy days) and colors. University of Washington has always been a top choice school for me and a former colleague had recommended SMEA so I decided to delve deeper into the program. I enjoyed the interdisciplinarity of the program and how we can take classes in other programs, such as the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance or School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences to expand our knowledge in both natural and social sciences. This was a perfect fit for me to take more social science classes, while also enjoying a variety of natural science classes at the same time. In addition, I enjoyed how this program allows me to structure my track so that I have control over what I strive to get out of this program.

Tell us about your approach to the Courses-only track (what things are you focusing on? how are you choosing courses?)

To be honest, I entered this program thinking that I was going to complete a capstone project. Unfortunately, things did not work out and I was scrambling between choosing a thesis or the courses-only track. After talking to two second year students (shout-out to Gabi and Leslie!), I enjoyed hearing how the courses-only track allows for flexibility so I can structure my schedule to support classes I want to take, while having time to explore options outside of SMEA, such as projects through ACORN or other job/internship opportunities. Since I have a strong background in natural sciences, I have been choosing social science classes that I know I lack knowledge in. Some courses that I have planned for next quarter are Environmental Justice and Population Health through the School of Public Health and Economic Approaches to Environmental Management through the Evans school. In addition to tackling these social science classes, I am taking some natural science classes to balance and better understand the intersection of public policy and natural and social sciences.

What has been your favorite class so far? Why?

Since this is only my second quarter I haven’t take a whole bunch of classes, but my favorite classes so far have been SMEA 500 Introduction to Marine and Environmental Affairs with Anne Beaudreau and SMEA 591 Marine Science with Terrie Klinger. I enjoyed Anne’s class because I could tell how much time and effort she put into structuring the course to give us a better understanding of what marine and environmental affairs is about. I am currently taking Terrie’s Marine Science course and I appreciate her enthusiasm that she shares through her teaching. I have enjoyed our two field trips so far: we got to take a tour of two research vessels: the Carson and Sikuliaq.

What do you like most about SMEA?

I enjoy being surrounded by passionate students and hearing about everyone’s background since SMEA is such an interdisciplinary program.

What is your favorite form of marine life and why?

Penguins. Always.

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

“Finding Kiley” *Finding Nemo is my favorite movie of all time.