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.  

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. 

Why did you decide to pursue a Master of Marine Affairs?
After college, I spent four months in the Caribbean conducting environmental research and filming a documentary to raise awareness about some of the more pressing issues facing marine
environments. In 2016, I began teaching marine policy to undergraduates in the South Pacific for Sea Education Association, an ocean research and sailing program. 

Why did you decide to pursue a Master of Marine Affairs?
I decided to pursue a graduate degree chasing the idea that reconnecting coastal communities to their green and blue spaces would lead to a higher quality of life in those regions as well as generate more preparedness as those communities begin to adapt to the effects of climate change.
Why did you decide to come to UW’s SMEA for graduate school? 

Why did you decide to pursue a Master of Marine Affairs?
I double majored in Marine Affairs and Visual Journalism with a focus on anthropology for my undergraduate studies while at the University of Miami in Florida. I then worked in the film industry for a number of years as a camera assistant and casting director in New York City in order to learn more about the technical side of filmmaking. 

Why did you decide to pursue a Master of Marine Affairs?
I actually came across the program by chance. I was looking at the University of Washington’s degree programs and saw “Marine Affairs”. I wasn’t totally sure what it was, but it piqued my interest. I ended up spending hours on the website and realized that this was the right program for me. 

Why did you decide to pursue a Master of Marine Affairs?
Honestly? I didn’t. I pursued SMEA, and that pursuit will result in an MMA!
Why did you decide to come to UW’s SMEA for graduate school?

I was working a corporate job and in many ways, really enjoyed it. But at the end of each day I felt unfulfilled, and knew I ultimately wanted my job to be more mission/impact driven. 

Why did you decide to pursue a Master of Marine Affairs?
My future goal is to promote the sustainable use of fisheries resources. After majoring in fish population dynamics at the Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute of the University, I worked in the Fisheries Agency of Japan (FAJ) as a fisheries management officer both domestically and internationally. I participated in many bilateral and multilateral fisheries negotiations as a member of the Japanese delegation. 

Why did you decide to pursue a Master of Marine Affairs?
I graduated college with a degree in Marine Biology and had no idea what I wanted to do with it. I spent some time working at an aquarium after that and learned more about the human side of the field and our impacts on the ocean. During my time there I got really interested in conservation and realized how political it can be. 

Why did you decide to become a professor?
My grandfather was a professor of philosophy, so I was raised to ask a lot of questions. I love the possibilities we can create together when we think critically about the world, consider our places in it, and our responsibilities to one another. For me this is the work of education. I became a professor because I wanted to join a community—of students and colleagues—with whom I could seek to better understand and be of service to the world.