SMEA Senior Research Scientist, Chris Sergeant, was lead author of a recent publication in the journal Climatic Change. The seven-author research team described the diversity of water temperature patterns in the massive, roadless, and undammed T’aakú (Taku) watershed, which is widely known as a stronghold for Pacific salmon. Some tributaries run icy cold thanks to glaciers, while others, especially those below big lakes, get warm enough to stress salmon. 

As salmon return to the Cedar River this fall, the Cedar River Salmon Stewards are inviting community members to learn more about these iconic fish and the watershed they call home.
The program, co-managed by 2024 SMEA alum Aina Hori, offers salmon viewing opportunities throughout October at locations in Renton. Visitors can discover salmon redds (nests), learn about the Cedar River ecosystem, and explore ways they can help protect and maintain a healthy watershed. 

The first Global eDNA Conference is coming to Seattle, bringing researchers and practitioners together to explore the growing role of environmental DNA (eDNA) in understanding and monitoring ecosystems.
The conference highlights the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of eDNA research and its potential applications across environmental science, conservation, and resource management.
SMEA is represented in this conversation by Dr. Shana Hirsch and Dr. 

The School of Marine and Environmental Affairs is excited to welcome the incoming SMEA Class of 2028 to the University of Washington!
This new cohort brings together students with a wide range of interests, experiences, and perspectives, united by a shared interest in addressing the complex challenges facing our oceans and environment.
As they begin their time at SMEA, students will have opportunities to learn across disciplines, engage with the marine and environmental policy community, and build connections with peers, faculty, alumni, and practitioners. 

The University of Washington School of Marine & Environmental Affairs (SMEA) is proud to congratulate Research Professor and Director Phil Levin on his election to the Washington State Academy of Sciences (WSAS).
Election to the Academy recognizes scientists and engineers whose work has made significant contributions to their fields and who are committed to using their expertise to help address Washington state’s most pressing challenges. 

The University of Washington School of Marine & Environmental Affairs (SMEA) is pleased to welcome Dr. Phil Levin as the School’s new Director.
An internationally recognized conservation scientist, Dr. Levin has dedicated his career to advancing interdisciplinary approaches that connect science, policy, and communities to address complex environmental challenges. His work bridges the natural and social sciences, helping develop innovative tools that support the conservation of marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems while recognizing the needs of the people who depend on them. 

The School of Marine & Environmental Affairs is proud to congratulate master’s student Tessa Marks on receiving a Fulbright Research Grant to Honduras.
Marks, a student in Marine & Environmental Affairs and International Studies, will conduct research on mangrove forests in the Bay Islands of Honduras, part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. Working with the Bay Islands Conservation Association on the island of Roatán, she will explore how ecological conditions, governance structures, and community priorities influence mangrove protection and restoration efforts. 

The School of Marine and Environmental Affairs (SMEA) is pleased to announce its Spring 2026 Departmental Speaker Series, coordinated by Dave Fluharty. This quarter’s theme, Informing Trade Offs, highlights the complex decisions shaping environmental science, policy, and management today.
The series brings together faculty, practitioners, and alumni to share interdisciplinary perspectives and real-world experience across a range of environmental careers. Sessions are open to SMEA students, the University of Washington community, and the public. 

At SMEA, our community extends far beyond the classroom. Whether you are an alum, partner, or supporter of marine and environmental leadership, there are many ways to stay connected and involved.
Follow Us on Social MediaStay up to date on student work, research, alumni achievements, and upcoming events by following us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.@UWSMEA
Volunteer with SMEAShare your knowledge and experience with the next generation of marine and environmental leaders. 

SMEA alumna Lindsay Gordon is helping bring global attention to climate change and sea-level rise through film as the Impact Producer of the award-winning documentary Oceania: Journey to the Center. The feature-length film tells the story of life on an atoll in the Pacific island nation of Kiribati, which scientists predict could become uninhabitable by 2030 due to rising sea levels and warming temperatures driven by climate change.