Why did you decide to pursue a Master of Marine Affairs?

I decided to pursue this degree because it is the perfect combination of my interests.  I have always been enamored with the ocean.  Ever since I was a child I knew I belonged near or in the water. It is my happy place. However, my other happy place is whenever I have food, especially good food.  Growing up it was one of life’s goals to combine the two. This is what led to my interest in aquaculture, and eventually my move to obtain a Master of Marine Affairs.

Why did you decide to come to UW’s SMEA for graduate school?

I liked the diverse interests from the professors.  They all hold amazing specialties and I felt they could help me achieve my goals and more.  Also, to be honest, I fell in love with Seattle.  The mountain skyline, Puget Sound, and the constant availability of nature while still being in a city are all things that I love.  The school, the city, and the people all in combination are what helped me decide to come to UW’s SMEA.

What are you writing your thesis about and why? 

I am basing my thesis upon my current research assistantship with the School of Fisheries Sciences.  I am working on a fascinating project to build a UW Shellfish Farm.  At the moment I am researching the permit requirements to establish a shellfish farm within Washington.  Our goal with this project is to create a space for UW students to learn from and experience the values that Shellfish Farms have on the Puget Sound.  We hope to educate students to the benefits of aquaculture, both ecologically and economically. As well as show students that aquaculture can be fun! Who doesn’t love eating home-grown oysters?!? In the future I would love to see the UW Shellfish Farm become a popular destination for both students and teachers alike.

Also, shameless self-promotion. If you would like to learn more about this project I have a blog depicting my travels through the permitting system. Please take a look!

https://uwshellfishfarm.wordpress.com/

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

My favorite class at UW so far has been Fish 424: Sustainable Aquaculture taught by Carolyn Friedman.  From the name of the class you can understand why I loved it.  UW offers very few aquaculture specific classes, but for those interested in learning more about aquaculture this is the perfect class to take.  Carolyn is an excellent professor who cares about her students.  You also get to go on field trips all around Washington and experience different types and sizes of aquaculture facilities.  You also learn the bases of aquaculture financially, ecologically, and biologically.  I highly recommend this class.

A SMEA specific class I loved was SMEA 539 A: US Fisheries Management and Policy.  This class is taught by Dave Fluharty and Penny Dalton and focuses mainly on the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act.  I knew very little on this subject going in, but finished having learned a lot.  The professors are also very fun, and there are some excellent speakers.

What do you like most about SMEA?

I enjoy the openness to ideas that SMEA offers.  I love that my peers are doing some very different things than I am.  I feel I’ve learned just as much from my peers as I have in my classes.  The SMEA cohort has been supportive, fun, and has definitely contributed more to my happiness here at UW.

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

Living in Seattle has been an experience.  At first it was a little difficult to find my personal sense of place within the city, but that takes time with any move.  Though I love my cohort, I recommend trying to find people outside of the school to hang with as well. Having diverse friend groups will allow you to experience Seattle in so many more ways.  In my spare time I like going to concerts and seeing local bands, finding different bars, walking around Greenlake and Discovery Park, and doing basic meandering and seeing what happens.  I also love traveling outside of Seattle to camp in the national parks, or go on relaxing day hikes.

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

For this question, I will tell you my dream.  I will be self-employed and have a great business. One day I hope to own a large plot of land on the water.  Half of this land will be dedicated to land-farming, the other half will be aquatic farming.  My farm will have free ranging chickens, pigs, and cows.  The pigs will ensure that the forest located also on my land doesn’t overgrow, the cows will provide needed manure for the vegetable and herb garden, and the chickens will have eggs. My aquatic farm will host a variety of delicious oysters and clams that I will sell at the local market.  There might be a small restaurant on the property, as well as a place for weddings.  I will be owner and manager of this farm. This is my ultimate job.

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

I love the sea cow because what is there not to love about it.  The purpose of a sea cow is to roam the waters being fat and happy.

Credit CMGW Photography