Why did you decide to pursue a master of marine affairs?

Growing up on Puget Sound, coastal environments have always been dear to me. They were my favorite playgrounds, inspired curiosity, and motivated my stewardship. While studying Conservation Biology at Middlebury College, I worked as an environmental educator in places like Alaska, the Bahamas, and California, further fostering my love for marine environments and communities. After graduating, I took a job at the WA Department of Ecology in the Natural Resources Department, which exposed me to the regulatory processes of state government. During this work, I realized that instead of being on the implementation side of management, I wanted to be working on policy solutions to our ocean and climate’s greatest threats. This led me to apply to graduate programs centered on marine policy, specifically SMEA.

Why did you decide to attend the UW, and SMEA specifically, for graduate school?

I ultimately decided to attend SMEA because of the specificity and interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum. The other programs I was considering were either about environmental management more broadly and only had a handful of classes centered on marine affairs or were too structured around marine ecology and policy and lacked the intersectional lens I was seeking. Additionally, I knew I wanted to study Indigenous resurgence opportunities in marine management and policy, and UW and SMEA have ongoing relations with Tribal Nations that could support this interest. I also wanted to give back to the communities that supported my upbringing and help make the PNW more resilient to climate change, so expanding my network through UW was a plus.

Tell us about your Capstone Project

For my capstone project, two classmates and I are supporting the Elakha Alliance’s mission of reintroducing sea otters to Oregon’s coast. Sea otters were hunted to extinction for the fur trade in the early 1910s, but have been an ecologically, culturally, and socially important species for Indigenous tribes since time immemorial. Past reintroductions have failed to include Indigenous peoples in restoration efforts and management plans, consequently interrupting cultural, economic, and political practices as it relates to aquaculture and shellfish harvesting. Our capstone report highlights past failures and outlines opportunities for Indigenous sovereignty and co-management in future sea otter reintroductions along the Pacific coast.

What has been your favorite class so far? Why?

I really enjoyed a SMEA class on the Indigenous Politics of Environmental Justice because it provided crucial framework for my capstone work and a greater understanding of tribal sovereignty. The course was appropriately challenging, we were asked to sort through nuanced, critical readings, but were provided opportunities for discussion so we could absorb new ideas with our classmates. I also have loved taking classes with the Department of American Indian Studies as they have expanded my approach to research, relationship building, and individual reflection.

What do you like most about SMEA?

I have loved getting to know the people in my cohort. Being in grad school delivers the opportunity to cultivate a ridiculously strong network and group of friends. The energy, determination, and resilience of my community is powerful, and I am daily inspired by what my peers are accomplishing and what they will continue to give to throughout their careers. I look forward to staying in touch with my classmates and hopefully collaborating with them in the future as well!

Is there an environment or ecosystem you’ve learned about in SMEA that you want to visit someday? 

I would be thrilled to visit Haida Gwaii which is an Archipelago in British Columbia, Canada. It is also home to the Haida Nation who have occupied Haida Gwaii since time immemorial. The islands are full of tribal history, migrating birds, black stoned beaches, whales, porpoises, and old growth forests. Additionally, I would love to see firsthand how the Council of the Haida Nation and the Government of Canada manage Gwaii Haanas through a cooperative agreement. I hope I find myself there someday soon!

What is your favorite form of marine life and why?

I definitely hold a soft spot for otters as they are the center of my capstone work, but sharks are my most favorite form of marine life. I am absolutely wowed by their evolutionary history and am humbled by the fact that they’ve be around for 450 million years. I also had the opportunity to conduct research on the physiological and behavioral effects of longline fishing on Nurse and Reef Sharks in the Caribbean, so I grew a special bond with them during that up close and personal time.