Professor Terrie Klinger, Ph.D., a marine ecologist at the University of Washington School of Marine and Environmental Affairs and co-director of the Washington Ocean Acidification Center, was quoted in The New York Times discussing how increasingly acidic ocean waters threaten oyster farming and shellfish hatcheries. Her insights help explain how changing ocean chemistry, particularly during critical larval stages, is shaping the future of aquaculture and highlighting the broader impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems. 

Dear SMEA friends!
Greetings from SMEA. We had an exciting spring with presentations of outstanding capstone projects and thesis research, from the sea to the land, from invertebrates, bull kelp, Dungeness crab, fisheries management, aquaculture, container ships, ocean grabbing, to food forest, and salmon habitat restoration. You can watch recordings of these presentations here. We celebrated our graduates’ accomplishments. Including outstanding research and the impact our students make on our communities. 

On Thursday, June 12, 2025, the School of Marine and Environmental Affairs celebrated the Class of 2025, honoring 21 students who earned their Master of Marine Affairs (MMA) degrees. These graduates now join an esteemed community of nearly 1,000 alumni and world-class policymakers dedicated to building a resilient future in marine and environmental affairs.
The ceremony began with opening remarks from SMEA Director Dr. 

The 2025 capstone and thesis projects at SMEA showcased a diverse range of interdisciplinary research addressing important environmental and social issues. Capstone teams collaborated with external partners to tackle real-world challenges, from enhancing environmental justice in flood management to exploring community benefit agreements for equitable renewable energy expansion. Our thesis-track students engaged in rigorous, independent research with topics ranging from marine science to policy analysis. 

Dan Tonnes, like many SMEA graduates with careers in the federal government or with federal funding, informed us he was leaving NOAA and federal employment after 25 years in order to take advantage of the buyout program. His premature exit from federal service has many ramifications for him, for NOAA with the loss of experience and talent, and for SMEA, as explained below. 

What is this column?
We are experimenting with ways to engage with our alumni and to inspire current students with their accomplishments. This section is a random walk through what we’ve recently observed about or heard from alumni. Please keep Graduate Program Advisor, Tiffany L. Dion, up to date with your accomplishments and changes in location or employment. ((tlcdion@uw.edu ) 
 
Dr. 

From monitoring humpbacks in Alaskan waters to shaping electric vehicle policy in Washington State, SMEA Alumni are actively leading and supporting cutting-edge research across environmental sectors. While their roles vary, they all share a commitment to interdisciplinary work and a passion for applied, real-world impact.
 
Ryan Swanson (SMEA class of 2019) is an environmental scientist at Environmental Science Associates (ESA) and conducts research for offshore infrastructure projects like tidal energy installations, fiber optic cables, and underwater battery systems. 

A new article from the University of Washington School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences highlights research led by former SAFS research scientist Connor Lewis-Smith, now a specialist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Based on interviews with commercial shellfish growers across the Pacific region, the study explores how industry stakeholders view ocean acidification, adaptation strategies, and the need for continued environmental monitoring as ocean conditions change. 

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 

Professor Ryan Kelly was interviewed for his work with environmental DNA in two publications, NPR and Science.
Scientists want to track the world’s biodiversity using DNA in the air by Ari Daniel.
DNA captured from the air could track wildlife, invasive species–and humans by Warren Cornwall.