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

I had the opportunity to go on an exchange to the University of Calgary during my undergraduate where I took a class which touched on Arctic security and Arctic politics. These are not standard subjects in political science or international relations courses but are a rising subject in those fields. I was interested not only in the subject and the questions it raised but also the location added an extra layer of interest. Things like nuclear icebreakers and military patrols by dogsled were just too interesting to not look deeper into.

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

I did my undergraduate in political science but was always interested in where it crossed with the environment. Being interested in environmental issues but with a political science background makes finding a graduate program trickier than if I had studied a natural science. I found SMEA and was happy to learn that it provided the mix of environmental issues I was interested in and wanted to increase its focus on the Arctic.

What are you writing your thesis about and why? 

I’m working on a capstone project with two other students on emerging risk in marine transportation. We are looking at how things like climate change and technology changes are changing the dynamic of marine transport. I wanted to work on this project because a huge aspect of it is Arctic shipping and development which is something I am very interested in.

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

Honestly, I really liked SMEA 500. I think a lot of people think of it as something you just have to get through but I really liked seeing what faculty and professors were doing and interested in. I think any time you have the opportunity to listen to successful and interesting people talk about what they do you should listen.

What do you like most about SMEA?

I like the diverse interests and skill sets you see in the program. I also like the access to other programs and experts we have. It’s a small group but you have access to other programs like the law school or the fisheries science program.

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

I love Seattle. It’s dark and rainy in the winter but never enough to really stop you from doing anything. There are tons of cool places to eat or see music. Whatever you want to do, Seattle likely has a club for it. In my spare time I race bikes for the UW collegiate team as well as a local club team.

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

My ultimate job would be based in Seattle and allow me to have an active role in Arctic issues such as development and responsible resource use.

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

Not really a marine life expert but I will include Arctic animals here and pick a Musk Ox. They just seem like such an improbable animal, yet they endure.