Meet Eve Byers, a Master of Marine Affairs student at the University of Washington’s School of Marine and Environmental Affairs (SMEA), whose thesis research examines crab communities in local estuarine oyster beds.
Evangeline Byers came to SMEA with an interest in continuing her undergraduate research while remaining connected to academia. The Master of Marine Affairs program offered an opportunity to explore the intersection of policy and science while gaining insight into a range of potential career paths, including opportunities with local environmental organizations. 

Coastal ecosystems like mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, and wetlands play an important role in storing carbon, supporting wildlife, and sustaining coastal communities. So why are these ecosystems still disappearing despite growing scientific knowledge and investment in conservation?
SMEA Affiliate Instructor Joe Ryan is exploring this question through research on the “Blue Carbon Paradox,” working alongside SMEA master’s students Tessa Marks and Will Burnham. 

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is transforming how researchers monitor biodiversity, but how do people come to trust it as scientific evidence?
SMEA Assistant Professor Shana Hirsch, SMEA Postdoc Pedro Brandao-Dias, Michelle Hauer, SMEA Research Scientist Yin Cheong Aden Ip, and UW doctoral candidate Sayan Bhattacharjee examine how experience with eDNA shapes perceptions of its validity, usefulness, and trustworthiness.
Their findings highlight the importance of building trusted communities of practice alongside technical standards for responsible eDNA adoption. 

SMEA Senior Research Scientist, Chris Sergeant, was lead author of a recent publication in the journal Climatic Change. The seven-author research team described the diversity of water temperature patterns in the massive, roadless, and undammed T’aakú (Taku) watershed, which is widely known as a stronghold for Pacific salmon. Some tributaries run icy cold thanks to glaciers, while others, especially those below big lakes, get warm enough to stress salmon. 

As salmon return to the Cedar River this fall, the Cedar River Salmon Stewards are inviting community members to learn more about these iconic fish and the watershed they call home.
The program, co-managed by 2024 SMEA alum Aina Hori, offers salmon viewing opportunities throughout October at locations in Renton. Visitors can discover salmon redds (nests), learn about the Cedar River ecosystem, and explore ways they can help protect and maintain a healthy watershed. 

The first Global eDNA Conference is coming to Seattle, bringing researchers and practitioners together to explore the growing role of environmental DNA (eDNA) in understanding and monitoring ecosystems.
The conference highlights the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of eDNA research and its potential applications across environmental science, conservation, and resource management.
SMEA is represented in this conversation by Dr. Shana Hirsch and Dr. 

The School of Marine and Environmental Affairs will hold its next faculty meeting on Thursday, October 2nd, at 12:00 pm. Please see below for location details:
MAR Room 268 or via Zoom
A copy of the meeting agenda is provided: 10-1-26 Faculty Meeting Agenda .docx. Please contact Hailie Borges (hrb25@uw.edu) with any questions or for more information. 

The School of Marine and Environmental Affairs is excited to welcome the incoming SMEA Class of 2028 to the University of Washington!
This new cohort brings together students with a wide range of interests, experiences, and perspectives, united by a shared interest in addressing the complex challenges facing our oceans and environment.
As they begin their time at SMEA, students will have opportunities to learn across disciplines, engage with the marine and environmental policy community, and build connections with peers, faculty, alumni, and practitioners. 

SMEA alumna Ellie Mason is featured in The Maine Monitor for her work restoring endangered Atlantic salmon habitat on Maine’s Narraguagus River.
As a habitat restoration project manager with the Downeast Salmon Federation, Mason is helping guide the replacement of the Cherryfield ice-control dam with a fish passage designed to improve migration for salmon and other fish.
Read the full story from The Maine Monitor 

SMEA students Walker Hobson and Jane Holiday are featured in a recent New York Times article exploring the challenges posed by invasive green crabs and their impacts on coastal ecosystems.
Their research, conducted in partnership with Washington Sea Grant, contributes to a growing understanding of invasive species and the complex environmental challenges facing coastal communities. Through this work, they are helping advance important conversations about marine ecosystems, conservation, and the future of our oceans.