Monterey, CA

This November three students from the School of Marine and Environmental Affairs presented their research at the Western Society of Naturalists conference, in Monterey, CA. The annual meeting brings together students, academics, and professionals focusing on ecology, evolution, and natural history along the West Coast of the United States.

Taylor Hughes (she/her/hers, SMEA ‘25) presented a research project she conducted this summer at Friday Harbor Laboratories investigating how temperature affects the microscopic life stages of bull kelp, Nereocystis luetkeana. Hughes noted, “It was amazing to share my work with and alongside many of the brilliant researchers and practitioners in my field. The amount of effort and creativity going into kelp forest ecology and conservation is inspiring and I cannot wait to explore some of these ideas and collaborations during my time at SMEA.”

Hughes discusses her research findings with kelp monitoring practitioners during the student poster session.

Aina Hori (she/her/hers, SMEA ‘24) and Jessica Clemens (she/her/hers, SMEA ‘24) gave talks on their research focusing on using local ecological knowledge to identify climate change coping strategies utilized by small scale fishers and implementing environmental justice in ecosystem restoration frameworks. Their work contributes to larger goals of sustainable management and conservation of marine resources.

Hori stated, “I appreciate the opportunity to share my thesis research and integrate valuable feedback into my ongoing work throughout the year. This was my first academic conference and I am grateful for the supportive and student-friendly atmosphere cultivated by the Western Society of Naturalists. I hope others in the SMEA community will participate in future years. ”

Hori presents her research on coping strategies used by small-scale fishers in response to climate change in a lightning talk.

Clemens added, “The Western Society of Naturalists was so supportive of student work, it was a great place for a first-time presenter. The questions that the audience asked really helped me to refine my study approach and think more deeply about why the results I found came about. While presenting at a conference can be overwhelming I think that this was a great place to gain some confidence in the process.”

Hughes, Hori, and Clemens soaked up the California sun on Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey, at the end of the conference.

The students would like to thank the University of Washington School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, College of the Environment, and the Graduate School for generous support of their participation in the conference.