SMEA’s Student Environmental Affairs Society (SEAS) invites students and professionals to attend Blue Drinks, a networking event focused on marine and coastal issues.
Blue Drinks offers an opportunity to connect with others in the field, exchange ideas, and discuss the current challenges shaping our oceans and coasts. The event comes at an important time for SMEA students, as first-year students prepare for summer internships and second-year students get ready to graduate and begin their careers. 

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. 

The University of Washington School of Marine and Environmental Affairs (SMEA) would like to thank everyone who participated in our Winter 2026 Speaker Series. Over several weeks, the series brought together leaders from the maritime industry, government, environmental organizations, and the Port of Seattle to share their expertise and perspectives with our community.
We are deeply grateful to our guest speakers, Tong Zhu, John Wolfe, Toshiko Hasegawa, Steve Metruck, Captain Mark McDonnell, Sandy Kilroy, Alex Adams, Jon Sloan, Kathleen Hurley, Delaney Cyphers, Andy Gregory, and Bookda Gheiser, for generously sharing their knowledge and professional experiences. 

SMEA Associate Professor Sunny Jardine recently took students into the field to learn about culverts and other barriers that prevent fish passage. During the trip, students joined Catalina Burch, who now works with Trout Unlimited, to observe how barrier assessments are conducted to collect data for fish passage barrier inventories.
Students Elise Wilson-Leedy, Eitan Gerstle, and Erica MacKenzie, who are currently working on a capstone project examining fish passage barriers in the Tulalip Tribes’ usual and accustomed fishing areas, participated in the trip alongside QERM student Guy Bennevat Hanninovich. 

The School of Marine and Environmental Affairs will hold its next faculty meeting on Thursday, February 5th, at 12:00 pm. Please see below for location details:
MAR Room 268 or via Zoom
A copy of the meeting agenda 2-5-26 Faculty Meeting Agenda is provided. Please contact Hailie Borges (hrb25@uw.edu) with any questions or for more information. 

The School of Marine and Environmental Affairs (SMEA) is pleased to announce the 2026 Winter Speaker Series, “Building a Port for the Future.” Hosted in partnership with leaders from the Port of Seattle, the Northwest Seaport Alliance, and the U.S. Coast Guard, this year’s series will explore how ports shape economic opportunity, community well-being, and environmental resilience across the region.
Running from January 15 through February 26, the series brings together senior executives, commissioners, environmental planners, SMEA alumni, and federal sector leadership for weekly conversations on the challenges and opportunities facing modern maritime systems. 

The School of Marine and Environmental Affairs will hold its next faculty meeting on Thursday, December 4th, at 12:00 pm. Please see below for location details:
MAR Room 268  or via Zoom
A copy of the meeting agenda 12-4-25 Faculty Meeting Agenda is provided. Please contact Hailie Borges (hrb25@uw.edu) with any questions or for more information. 

Reconnect with the School of Marine & Environmental Affairs (SMEA) at our 2025 reception! This biennial gathering brings together alumni, students, faculty, and friends to celebrate our community, share updates, and strengthen connections in marine and environmental affairs.
Date: November 22, 2025Time: 5:00–7:00 PMLocation: Silver Cloud Hotel (SODO, Stadium Location)
21+ Event
RSVP here: UW SMEA COMMUNITY RECEPTION AT PACIFIC MARINE EXPO 2025 

Faculty from the University of Washington School of Marine and Environmental Affairs will host an upcoming workshop focused on the role of public comment in shaping policy. “The Power of Public Comment” will explore how science and research can be used to inform and strengthen public participation in policymaking.
The workshop will feature Ryan Kelly, PhD, JD, professor and associate director at SMEA—along with Lauren Kuehne, MS. 

Heading to the Pacific Marine Expo in Seattle this November? Join us for the UW School of Marine and Environmental Affairs (SMEA) Community Reception at the Silver Cloud Hotel (Seattle Stadium location). Enjoy small bites and beverages, reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and unwind after the expo. Save-the-date. More details coming soon!

Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Location: Silver Cloud Hotel, (Seattle’s SODO District) 9th Floor, Avene One Ballroom
Time: 5:00 PM

Adults 21+ only—thank you for understanding!