Max Mossler

What led you to pursue a Master of Marine Affairs?

I love social-ecological relationships. It is fascinating to study how people rely on and interact with their natural environments.

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

The interdisciplinary approach to environmental problems.

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 am close to committing to a project identifying local attitudes towards shifting baselines. I want to use a relatively new methodology, called photo-voice, that uses pictures and interviews to gather information.

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

SMEA 509: Integrated Coastal Management. Social-ecological conflicts and relationships are most prevalent on the coast, where people meet the sea.

What do you like most about SMEA?

Conversations and camaraderie that happen in the office. We have a great group of people.

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

Seattle is the most beautiful city I’ve lived in; the water, trees and Rainier skyline can’t be beat. I play a lot of basketball and drink a lot of beer in my spare time.

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

I want to work for an organization that helps scientists look at environmental issues from multiple perspectives – especially social perspectives.

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

The octopus is my spirit animal. Funky, smart, adaptable, and no backbone.