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

My background is in Environmental Science and over the years I have developed a love for ocean and environmental conservation. In our current political climate, it is more important than ever for scientists and academics to be able to communicate the knowledge we have and to take steps towards protecting our world. In an effort to be a part of that, I wanted to further my education – to be more prepared, heighten my skills and increase my knowledge of marine and environmental concerns.

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

For my bachelor’s degree, I went to school in Central Texas. Despite the area being landlocked, I took classes that fostered my love for the ocean. When looking for a graduate school, a key aspect of my search concerned location. Seattle is an amazing hub for all things marine affairs – from long established organizations to new grass-roots start-ups; the city is full of opportunities. Additionally, the program really emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to learning. When looking at complex topics like marine conservation and policy, the multi-dimensional approach that SMEA takes is incredibly effective.

What are you writing your thesis about and why? 

My thesis is an analysis of stakeholder perceptions of whale watching in the Puget Sound region. I will be conducting a series of interviews with various stakeholders in the industry and utilizing a pile sort method to gauge how stakeholders view the industry. Do they perceive whale watching as a spiritual, educational, or conservation experience? Or is it just a job with little other impact on their life? Knowing how stakeholders view whale watching will provide insight into what they desire in the policies designed to protect, restrict and further the industry.

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

I’ve taken many impactful classes during my time at SMEA. A few of my favorites have been Arctic Marine Vertebrate Ecology with Kristin Laidre, International Law of the Sea with Craig Allen, and Decision Making and Action Taking in Marine Affairs (SMEA 502) with Bob Pavia. Kristin was an incredibly passionate teacher, and her arctic ecology classes focused on a lot of pertinent issues to Arctic species, as well as indigenous populations. Similarly, Craig Allen had a lot of knowledge and education that he imparted to his students. Having some background in environmental law, his Law of the Sea course was an excellent alternative to meet the SMEA requirement. SMEA 502 has been one of the most practical courses I have taken through SMEA, really teaching an application of everything we learn in the program. As you can see, SMEA provides the opportunity to really tailor your education based on your individual interests.

What do you like most about SMEA?

The people in SMEA definitely make it a standout program. While it has excellent academic opportunities, the teachers and peers I have had the chance to work alongside while here have arguably taught me just as much as the curriculum.  The students come from a diverse range of backgrounds and each brings a unique set of experiences. We’re all looking to learn as much as possible, which creates an environment that really fosters collaboration, cooperation and friendship. Similarly, each of the professors has years of experience equipping them to educate and engage their students.

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

Seattle is great! For anyone worried about moving to a “big” city, Seattle is the perfect gateway. I have spent my life living in small southern towns, so the move was a bit of a shock for me, but Seattle has this awesome local, small town feel with the diversity of a large city. The people are friendly, the food is great and there is always a hike within reach. I spend a lot of my spare time outdoors hiking and camping, but also love spending time downtown or at one of the cities many perfect brunch locations.

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

I want to do something that makes a difference and focuses on conservation through environmental education. I have a ten year old sister and want to make sure she and other youth, as well as their parents, friends and family, grow up learning how to care for our world. That could be on a boat educating tourists, working with an organization to talk with kids in local schools, designing curriculum, or doing research – as long as it helps communicate science to better the future of our world through today’s generations. I have always been drawn to non-profits, but don’t limit myself to that.

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

Anyone will tell you that my favorite marine life is the killer whale. They’re wicked smart and incredibly majestic. I studied them for my undergraduate thesis and am incorporating them in my graduate thesis as well. They have this ability to captivate people through their intelligence and familiarity. They have such a unique family structure and really complex social and cultural practices. If you haven’t seen them in the wild, I highly encourage it. Nothing compares.