The University of Washington School of Marine and Environmental Affairs (SMEA) is proud to highlight the work of postdoctoral scholar Kristen Marie Green, Ph.D., whose research sits at the intersection of coastal resilience, food systems, and community wellbeing.
An interdisciplinary social scientist, Dr. Green focuses on how coastal communities adapt to climate change and other environmental and economic stressors, particularly within fisheries and aquaculture systems. 

A recent article in Nature, written by Aisling Irwin, highlights emerging advances in environmental DNA (eDNA), including research led by Ryan Kelly, professor at the University of Washington’s School of Marine and Environmental Affairs (SMEA).
Kelly’s work is helping to expand the frontiers of how scientists monitor and understand ecosystems. While eDNA has traditionally been collected from water or soil, his research demonstrates that DNA can also be captured from the air. 

SMEA research scientist Aden Yincheong Ip and Professor Ryan Kelly have published a groundbreaking study in Scientific Reports exploring how airborne environmental DNA (eDNA) can be used to monitor salmon populations. Their study demonstrates that DNA from Coho salmon can be detected in the air, even 10–12 feet from waterways, opening new possibilities for non-invasive aquatic species monitoring.
Last fall, the team placed air filters at multiple locations along Issaquah Creek near the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery. 

New research published in FACETS explores trends in environmental impact assessments (IAs) for mining and quarry projects, highlighting how these evaluations inform decisions about resource development and environmental protection. Environmental impact assessments are a key tool used to predict potential environmental effects of proposed projects and guide policy and permitting decisions.
The study was co-authored by Chris Sergeant, a research scientist at the University of Washington School of Marine and Environmental Affairs. 

SMEA Research Scientist Chris Sergeant is in northern British Columbia this month, conducting fieldwork and engaging with local and online audiences.

Presentation at Yukon University: Chris and colleague Brittany Milner (Salmon Watersheds Lab, Simon Fraser University) will present on Monday at noon, with a virtual attendance option. More details: Yukon Science Institute

CBC Radio Interview: Chris and Brittany recently completed an interview for CBC’s The Weekender, airing Sunday morning in Canada and available afterward online: CBC Listen

This outreach highlights SMEA’s commitment to connecting marine and freshwater research with communities and the broader public. 

Grist highlights the work of SMEA research scientist Dr. Chris Sergeant on how melting glaciers in Alaska and British Columbia are reshaping salmon habitat. Sergeant discusses the ecological opportunities and risks as new lakes and streams form, while mining interests explore newly exposed lands. His research emphasizes the need for careful monitoring and collaboration to protect these vital ecosystems.
Read the full article here 

A recent paper published in the journal FACETS features seven SMEA authors, titled Excavating the regulatory process and risks posed by Alaska hardrock mine expansions.
Open-access available here!
This paper represents the culmination of a SMEA capstone project! We hope it will be of interest to a broad audience, including NEPA practitioners, applied scientists, and citizens that current or future mining operations may impact. 

Location for all talks:On campus: Fishery Science Building (FSH), 1122 NE Boat Street, room 203Zoom:  NOTE: you will need to type in the password to enter the seminarVideo link: https://washington.zoom.us/j/92079340874Meeting ID: 920 7934 0874Passcode: seminarAudio-only option: +1 206 337 9723 US (Seattle)Meeting ID: 920 7934 0874

Thursday, October 12, 12-1 pm
Melissa Parks (she/her), Postdoctoral Scholar, University of Washington – School of Marine and Environmental Affairs and NOAA – Alaska Fisheries Science Center
Talk title: Exploring the Influence of Multispecies Interactions on Small Farmers’ Perceptions of and Responses to Climate Change in Oregon
Bio: Melissa Parks is an applied anthropologist researching human interactions with the environment and food systems in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. 

Seattle Times: Native nations on front lines of climate change share knowledge and find support at intensive camps
Tribes suffer some of the most severe impacts of climate change in the U.S. but often have the fewest resources to respond. This inspiring story shows how tribes are working together to make a difference.  SMEA student Michael Buck is prominent in pictures and video.  

 
On June 28, 2023, Dean Tolstoy and Director Dolšak hosted Admiral Linda Fagan, Commandant of the U. S. Coast Guard and SMEA alumna (MMA ’00). For reference, Admiral Fagan is the 27th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard (USCG), overseeing operations of more than 50,000 members and a fleet of 259 cutters, 200 aircraft, and 1,600 boats. Admiral Fagan was in Seattle to preside over the change of command ceremony for Healy, an active icebreaker homeported in Seattle.