Dr. Kanae Komaki (2018) wrote from Japan that she completed a course on AI and has developed a proposal for an AI-based policy tool that could be applied to the review of contractor monitoring reports to the International Seabed Authority (ISA). She presented her proposal to the 2nd ISA Expert Scoping Workshop held in Kobe, Japan, in preparation for the possible transition to the exploitation phase of deep-seabed mining in the Area beyond national jurisdiction. 

Margaret Jelsma & Diana Perry
Eager to explore her future in the marine and environmental fields, SMEA student Margaret Jelsma turned to the Alumni Mentorship Program for guidance. She was matched with Diana Perry, an alumna passionate about sharing the mentorship she once longed for. Despite living in different states, they regularly connect via Zoom and email, which has helped them grow a strong rapport founded in shared experiences and a mutual interest in supporting each other’s growth. 

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. 

SMEA alumna Teagan Darmondy has been selected as part of the inaugural cohort of the Washington Sea Grant (WSG) Coastal Resilience Fellowship. The new fellowship provides a two-year educational and professional development opportunity for emerging leaders working to strengthen coastal resilience across Washington.
The WSG Coastal Resilience Fellowship places fellows within partner host offices where they will help build capacity for coastal communities facing environmental and climate-related challenges. 

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. 

Jeffery Randell began his time at SMEA while serving on active duty in the United States Coast Guard, and he continues that service today. Currently stationed in Key West, Florida, Jeffrey serves as the Director of Joint Interagency Task Force South, leading a multi-agency, international effort focused on countering illicit trafficking in the maritime domain.
In his current role, Jeffrey oversees coordinated operations among U.S. 

Students in SMEA 505 recently took their learning beyond the classroom with a field trip to Fishermen’s Terminal. Led by Terrie Klinger, professor at SMEA, the visit offered students an opportunity to explore one of Seattle’s historic working waterfronts.
During the trip, students learned about the terminal’s history, its management, and the important role it plays in supporting the regional fishing industry. 

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. 

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 

New research co-authored by Nives Dolšak, Ph.D., director of SMEA, explores how different audiences perceive the emerging issue of deep-sea mining. The study, published in Environmental Research Letters, compares perspectives between the general public and environmental organizations.
The findings suggest that public support for deep-sea mining can shift depending on how the issue is framed, for example, emphasizing economic benefits or environmental risks, while environmental organizations tend to hold more consistent views.