Join us on May 15th and May 22nd for our graduates’ Capstone and Thesis projects. Check out the lineup below!! 

This spring, Eitan Gerstle, 2nd year SMEA student, spent time in the Stillaguamish River estuary contributing to ongoing research on estuary restoration and its benefits for salmon and their prey.
Working as a research assistant with Dr. Anne Beaudreau, Eitan joined collaborators from The Nature Conservancy, Skagit River System Cooperative, and the Stillaguamish Tribe to help monitor ecological changes in restored estuarine habitats. 

The School of Marine and Environmental Affairs will hold its next faculty meeting on Thursday, May 7th, at 12:00 pm. Please see below for location details:
MAR Room 268 or via Zoom
A copy of the meeting agenda, 5-7-26 Faculty Meeting Agenda.docx is provided. Please contact Hailie Borges (hrb25@uw.edu) with any questions or for more information.
  

SMEA alum Max Perkins has published his first lead-author paper in Ecosystem Services, titled “Exploring the disaster risk reduction and energy resilience benefits of coastal ecosystems and protected areas in Puerto Rico.” The paper was co-authored with SMEA Affiliate Faculty member Katir Arkema and colleagues.
In this research, Max applies a spatial model to identify where coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrasses help mitigate coastal hazard risks to nearshore energy infrastructure. 

The University of Washington School of Marine and Environmental Affairs (SMEA) is proud to highlight the work of postdoctoral scholar Kristen Marie Green, Ph.D., whose research sits at the intersection of coastal resilience, food systems, and community wellbeing.
An interdisciplinary social scientist, Dr. Green focuses on how coastal communities adapt to climate change and other environmental and economic stressors, particularly within fisheries and aquaculture systems. 

A recent article in Nature, written by Aisling Irwin, highlights emerging advances in environmental DNA (eDNA), including research led by Ryan Kelly, professor at the University of Washington’s School of Marine and Environmental Affairs (SMEA).
Kelly’s work is helping to expand the frontiers of how scientists monitor and understand ecosystems. While eDNA has traditionally been collected from water or soil, his research demonstrates that DNA can also be captured from the air. 

SMEA’s Student Environmental Affairs Society (SEAS) invites students and professionals to attend Blue Drinks, a networking event focused on marine and coastal issues.
Blue Drinks offers an opportunity to connect with others in the field, exchange ideas, and discuss the current challenges shaping our oceans and coasts. The event comes at an important time for SMEA students, as first-year students prepare for summer internships and second-year students get ready to graduate and begin their careers. 

The School of Marine and Environmental Affairs (SMEA) is pleased to announce its Spring 2026 Departmental Speaker Series, coordinated by Dave Fluharty. This quarter’s theme, Informing Trade Offs, highlights the complex decisions shaping environmental science, policy, and management today.
The series brings together faculty, practitioners, and alumni to share interdisciplinary perspectives and real-world experience across a range of environmental careers. Sessions are open to SMEA students, the University of Washington community, and the public. 

At SMEA, our community extends far beyond the classroom. Whether you are an alum, partner, or supporter of marine and environmental leadership, there are many ways to stay connected and involved.
Follow Us on Social MediaStay up to date on student work, research, alumni achievements, and upcoming events by following us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.@UWSMEA
Volunteer with SMEAShare your knowledge and experience with the next generation of marine and environmental leaders. 

SMEA affiliate faculty member Katie Arkema and SMEA graduate Max Perkins, alongside SMEA alumni Mikaela Freeman and Debbie Rose, have co-authored a new paper, Reimagining community-centered engagement to guide offshore wind planning and development.
Current approaches to community engagement in energy development often prioritize meeting minimum regulatory requirements, treating engagement as a procedural step rather than a meaningful process. This paper argues that more durable and effective energy solutions require shared power, transparency, and sustained relationships with communities.