By Kaitlin Lebon

Graduate school is challenging. While some students enter SMEA fully prepared with a preconceived thesis project, others can be stumped. Funding, or lack thereof, is a reality for some incoming SMEA students and can influence a student’s approach to thesis or capstone work. For those students, it can be difficult to know where to start looking for ideas or connections. Luckily, SMEA has just the person to help.

Dan Tonnes is one of the unsung heroes of SMEA. After graduating from SMEA in 2008 Dan joined NOAA working on Puget Sound Rockfish Recovery Planning for the National Marine Fisheries Service. In 2016, Dan returned to SMEA as a liaison between SMEA and NOAA. As such, Dan comes to SMEA about once a week for students seeking connections for potential thesis projects or advisors.

The SMEA/NOAA connection isn’t just important for students, it is a mutually beneficial relationship. Dan states, “SMEA assesses many issues of direct relevance to NOAA/NMFS, and by working together these collaborations advance NMFS’ knowledge of mission-critical issues and helps connect students to scientists and managers as they begin their careers.” In his role as liaison, Dan has helped to initiate partnerships with SMEA for projects like assessing ways to reduce entanglements of large whales along the West Coast. A SMEA capstone project is currently in the works for the Sustainable Fisheries Division regarding innovative groundfish allocation ideas. SMEA students have also been hired to work as summer Pathways Interns in the NOAA Sand Point office.

In addition to providing a link between students and NOAA employees, Dan also is a source of advice. He is a regular at professional networking events put on by SMEA’s Student Environmental Affairs Society and has hosted informational seminars detailing subjects like tips for applying to federal jobs. Dan also occasionally serves as a faculty editor for SMEA’s student-run science blog, Currents.

When asked what his favorite part is about working as a liaison, Dan says, “The students and faculty at SMEA always bring fresh and unique perspectives and I enjoy exploring ideas with them and connecting them with NOAA staff. I also enjoy helping students start their careers.” Dan is undoubtedly a valuable asset to students at SMEA. Thank you, Dan, for all that you do!