Meet Eve Byers, a Master of Marine Affairs student at the University of Washington’s School of Marine and Environmental Affairs (SMEA), whose thesis research examines crab communities in local estuarine oyster beds.

Evangeline Byers came to SMEA with an interest in continuing her undergraduate research while remaining connected to academia. The Master of Marine Affairs program offered an opportunity to explore the intersection of policy and science while gaining insight into a range of potential career paths, including opportunities with local environmental organizations.

Now, as she works toward her anticipated graduation in Spring 2027, Evangeline is bringing those interdisciplinary interests to her thesis research on crab communities in local estuarine oyster beds.

Getting to Know Eve

What drew you to SMEA and the Master of Marine Affairs program?

I enjoyed undergraduate research and was interested in pursuing it further while staying close to academia. The Marine Affairs program offered a blend of policy and hard science courses that would give me insight into more postgrad careers and opportunities, especially considering the prevalence of SMEA graduates in local environmental organizations.

Tell us about your thesis research.

My thesis explores crab communities in a local estuarine oyster bed, with a focus on the larval stage. The Northwest coast has struggled with European green crab invasion over the past few years; my study will offer a data point on whether the green crabs are competing with native species, like the Dungeness, for nursery space.

If I do find larval green crabs, this will help us better understand the consequences of restoring oyster beds, as well as flagging potential future invasion sites early.

What has been your favorite class at SMEA so far?

I had a great experience with Dr. Klinger’s field trip course in my first quarter. This class got me in touch with the Padilla Bay Estuarine Reserve, who were instrumental in getting my thesis developed and off the ground.

I also found Dr. Beaudreau’s fisheries management course incredibly helpful for setting context for the whole SMEA program. I highly recommend that class to students without a lot of fisheries background, or those that are interested in the social structures and history driving management decisions.

What has been your favorite experience as a SMEA student?

All of my classmates are incredible people. It’s been a real treat to hear them talk about their thesis and capstone projects, and many of them volunteered to help with my fieldwork this summer. It’s a tight-knit group that made the grad school adjustment very smooth.

What do you enjoy most about living in the Puget Sound area?

I grew up in Seattle, so it’s great to be close to home and feel so grounded by both the ocean and the mountains. Hiking, camping, and swimming are all really accessible, and they help me decompress from busy school years!

What do you enjoy doing outside of academics?

I enjoy reading just about anything I can get my hands on.

What’s something fun we should know about you or your research?

I have a collection of ecology-themed earrings! Several of them are crab-related, but I tend not to wear them in the field.

Eve’s research highlights the connections between marine ecology, habitat restoration, and environmental management. As she continues her work at SMEA, her thesis will contribute to a broader understanding of crab communities and the potential implications of invasive species for local estuarine habitats.

Interested in learning more about SMEA and the work of our students? Explore the School of Marine and Environmental Affairs at the University of Washington.