Social inequalities, specifically racism and classism, are impacting the biodiversity, evolutionary shifts and ecological health of plants and animals in our cities.
That’s the main finding of a review paper led by the University of Washington, with co-authors at the University of California, Berkeley, and University of Michigan, which examined more than 170 published studies and analyzed the influence of systemic inequalities on ecology and evolution. 

SMEA Core Faculty member Dr. Cleo Woelfle-Erskine will be working closely with one of 6 master’s students selected for the inaugural Future Rivers cohort. UW School of Environmental and Forest Sciences student, Sofi Courtney, will be one of 12 master’s and doctoral students who will be helping to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on freshwater ecosystems and how changes in climate and the environment are protecting these vital resources. 

Congratulations to recent SMEA graduate Katy Dalton and soon to graduate Megan McKeown who were selected as Sea Grant John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellows for 2021. The 2021 finalists will become the 42nd class of the John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship program. The 74 finalists represent 27 of the 34 Sea Grant programs.
Knauss finalists are chosen through a competitive process that includes several rounds of review at both the state Sea Grant program and national levels. 

Why did you decide to come to UW’s SMEA for graduate school?
I decided to come to SMEA because I had been working in labs as a research assistant studying many things from soil microbial ecology to bat acoustics to rocky shore biodiversity, but I wanted to gain an understanding of the policies that shape environmental management and governance. I am especially passionate about coastal ecosystems because I grew up in Hong Kong and love these dynamic habitats.  

The University of Washington and The Nippon Foundation today announced the Nippon Foundation Ocean Nexus Center, an interdisciplinary research group at the UW that studies changes, responses and solutions to societal issues that emerge in relationship with the oceans. The Center will bring uncompromised, critical voices to policy and public conversations to enable research and studies equaling $32.5 million spread over 10 years. 

Congratulations to Lindsey Popken, 1 of 10 UW graduate students who were awarded FLAS Fellowships to study French, Nuu-chah-nulth and Tsek’ene in 2020-21. These 10 students represent UW’s School of Law, School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, School of Public Health, Department of Linguistics, and the Applied Masters in International Studies in the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies.
Lindsey is interested in sea otter conservation and is developing a project with the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council in British Columbia (B.C.) that she hopes will help shape relations between the Tribal Council and Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans. 

 
Eelgrass, a species of seagrass named for its long slippery texture, is one of nature’s superheroes. It offers shade and camouflage for young fish, helps anchor shorelines, and provides food and habitat for many marine species.
A University of Washington study adds one more superpower to the list of eelgrass abilities: warding off the toxin-producing algae that regularly close beaches to shellfish harvests. 

Why did you decide to pursue a Master of Marine Affairs?
Growing up in the scorching, drought-stricken Sonoran Desert made my annual family trip to San Diego really special. I was always amazed by the waves, the seashells, and the pure joy everyone experiences at the beach. When I finally visited my first aquarium (shoutout to the Birch Aquarium!) I became even more fascinated with the world below the waves. 

On Thursday, June 11, 2020 the School of Marine and Environmental Affairs held its graduation ceremony via Zoom. A welcome was given by SMEA Director, Nives Dolsak, followed by opening remarks from the College of the Environment Dean, Lisa Graumlich, and a special keynote speaker. Graduating students Charlotte Dohrn and Sallie Lau were nominated as the class of 2020 student speakers. 

The School of Marine & Environmental Affairs will hold its faculty meeting Thursday, June 4, 12:00 – 1:05 pm. Please see below for details on how to join;
Zoom Online Meeting
https://washington.zoom.us/j/99909035676
Phone In
+1-253-215-8782
Meeting ID: 999 0903 5676
A copy of the meeting agenda can be found here.