What led you to pursue a Master of Marine Affairs?

After completing my Bachelor of Commerce degree, I was fortunate enough to be able to travel and work internationally. During these pursuits I was constantly astonished at the variety of ways humans interact with the marine environment, how it shapes our lives and how we in turn shape it. The drive to understand how we can manage this interaction to best protect the natural environment while safeguarding the ocean as the key resources it is brought me to my interest in a Masters of Marine Affairs.

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

SMEA offered an opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary setting. Coming from a business background, I saw an opportunity to expand my knowledge base by learning from the diverse expertise of my classmates and professors. The human dimensions approach here at SMEA is very complimentary to my background and interests.

What are you writing your thesis about and why?

I am writing my thesis about the applications of inclusive business models to scale up smallholder aquaculture enterprises in base of the pyramid (BoP) markets. Specifically, I hope to identify the characteristics of these models that promote private investment interest and compare these to model characteristics most important to aquaculture smallholders. I hope to contribute to the discussion on how properly designed inclusive business models can protect the environment, safeguard and enhance livelihoods while provide sustainable investment opportunities in BoP markets.

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

My favorite class has been the 550B field trip course. Not being from the Pacific Northwest it was a fantastic introduction that set me up for a deeper understanding of the marine sector in this beautiful part of the world. The class opened my eyes to the variety of employment avenues available to Marine Affairs professionals.

What do you like most about SMEA?

Aside from the fact it is in Seattle!? I love the approach to core courses at SMEA because you end up taking a variety of classes you may not have otherwise considered. The result is a learning environment conducive to discussion, where I not only get to learn from professors who are true experts in their fields, but also from the diverse experiences and viewpoints of my classmates.

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

Seattle is amazing. The food, the coffee, the music scene, the vibe – all are unique and awesome. I love the proximity to incredible outdoor adventures, both inside the city limits and out. I am an avid runner, and with its wealth of bike trails, parks and paths, you can never find a bad route in Seattle. Oh, and the view of Mt. Rainier around every corner doesn’t suck either.

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

I would love to run my own consulting company that specializes in bringing together “green” private investors and smallholders in the marine sector operating in BoP markets. I have an interest in aquaculture and marine tourism, and there are tons of opportunities worldwide to link smallholders with the financing and business acumen they desperately need to scale up in a responsible, sustainable and profitable way.

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

Flamboyant cuttlefish. Aside from the killer name, they are mesmerizing to watch underwater, incredibly intelligent and just a little bit cheeky. Look them up on Youtube and you’ll understand what I mean!