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

I came from a more traditional marine biology background, and used to be quite happy just studying fishes. After a while, I realized that all of the environmental issues I was really concerned with had to do with people. I realized that I needed more training in social sciences and policy in addition to my existing biology skills. Thus, marine affairs!

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

I really liked how interdisciplinary and broad the program is. You have professors who focus on everything from industrial development in the Arctic to orca conservation to food security to tourism. You also can take classes out of other UW departments like the law school, the fish school, or the Evans School.

Are you doing a thesis or capstone project? If thesis, what are you writing your thesis about and why? If capstone, what is the project about?

Thesis! I’m working with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on sorting out how “other effective area-based conservation measures” aka OECMs can be used to identify areas that can be counted towards global conservation goals (10% of oceans conserved by 2020). As international commitments gain attention, it’s important to ensure they are being met through legitimate and quality actions that can be tracked. I’m hoping my research will aid the international community in making these commit meaningful and impactful.

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

FISH 513: Topics in fisheries management and conservation. In this class, we studied various management strategies for fisheries through case studies. For each case study we scrutinized the data and monitoring, objectives, and outcomes. Given how many types of management exist out there, this class gave me a solid foundation in understanding various fisheries schemes and gave some insight into what is essential for planning.

What do you like most about SMEA?

The SMEA-ple! My classmates. We are like a giant family and really support and hype each other up. Without them I would go crazy.

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

Seattle is a cool city with lots to do, but expensive and crazy traffic. On a nice evening, I like to picnic in Gasworks and watch the Seattle skyline light up. My favorite thing is to get out of the city. Hiking and other outdoorsy stuff is not far. In the winter, the closest ski slopes are only 30 minutes away.

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

Humanitarian-marine resource-ambassador

I like traveling, helping others, and safeguarding our oceans for the future. If I could find something that allows me to do all three, that would be the dream.

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

Otters. Idk they just get me.