Georgia Wood

What led you to pursue a Master of Marine Affairs?

Immediately after getting my B.S., I didn’t have the right skills and network for the marine conservation and development jobs I wanted. I knew the M.M.A. would give me important social science and professional experience that I didn’t pursue in undergrad.

Why did you choose UW’s SMEA for graduate school?

UW’s SMEA has world-class faculty that, to me, other programs don’t compare to. I also like SMEA’s flexibility and applicability: half of your courses cover professionally relevant marine economics, law, and policy processes. The other half are self-chosen electives and thesis writing credits, so you have freedom to tailor your degree to your own interests. I’ve focused electives in law, anthropology, and geography.

What are you writing your thesis about and why? If you haven’t decided, what do you think you might write about and why?

I’m writing my thesis on gender dimensions of marine protected area management in Southeast Asia. I’m using photo voice, a photography-based method that’s just emerging in this field. It’s exciting to test this methodology and explore how feminist and critical theories may be applied in internationally managed marine research and conservation initiatives.

What has been your favorite class at UW so far? Why?

I loved LAW B 564: Women, Poverty, and Natural Resource Management taught by Professor Jamie Bechtel. The class exposed me to plenty of literature on systemic and institutional factors affecting women’s access to natural resources. Besides reading the literature, this class had a decidedly practical aspect— assignments were blogs, business plans, and proposals that would be useful to companies and the public.

What do you like most about SMEA?

The close-knit, diverse community of students, and the expert, supportive faculty always willing to listen and help.

What’s it like to live in Seattle? What do you do in your spare time?

It’s living in a walkable, active city with space to pursue all possible interests. I can walk or ride the bus almost anywhere I need to go. In my spare time (these days I don’t have much), I love hiking, trying new restaurants, and doing trivia night with friends.

If you could design your ultimate job after graduating, what would it be and why?

My interests are always evolving. Right now, I’d split my time between writing about marine issues and consulting to improve social integration in marine protection initiatives. Something that involves education, writing, and travel to beautiful places would be perfect.

What is your favorite form of marine life, and why?

I think sea turtles are like ancient, mystical creatures who know more of the ocean than we ever will, and that’s intriguing.