Why did you decide to pursue a Master of Marine Affairs?
After working for a few years, I realized that I really wanted to go back to school and dedicate a couple years to learning in an academic environment. I have always been drawn to the coast, and over the years this interest evolved into my professional and academic focus. At my previous job, I had the opportunity to work with a lot of different organizations focusing on a range of marine and coastal conservation and resource management issues, so the Master of Marine Affairs program was a great fit to build on my experience and gain new skills and knowledge to contribute to the field. 

Why did you decide to pursue a Master of Marine Affairs?
I want work in fisheries policy, I’m hoping an MMA will allow me to do that. Before SMEA, I went to law school and interned with NOAA in Alaska. At NOAA and in the last couple years of law school, I figured out that I am fascinated by fisheries management and not so much law and legal work. 

Why did you decide to pursue a Master of Marine Affairs?
Since marine debris entered into my radar when I was 10 years old, this topic has pretty much become what I see as a lifetime objective for me. This led me to pursue an undergrad degree in Environmental Studies from the Program on the Environment (POE), which is also at the UW. 

Why did you decide to pursue a Master of Marine Affairs?
I’m one of those people who was kind of in limbo after undergrad. I’d just gotten a degree and a job in marine biology, but I didn’t feel like continuing doing scientific research. I also didn’t know what I felt like doing either. I only knew that I still liked learning stuff that’s going on in the ocean, and that I wanted to do more social justice work someday. 

Alumna Kathleen Pozarycki graduated from the School of Marine and Environmental Affairs in 2008. She recently returned to campus during Prospective Student Visit Weekend, to serve on a Q&A Panel for students admitted to join the Class of 2021. We had a chance to catch up with Kathleen and hear about her career, and ask what advice she has for current SMEA students. 

Alumnus Ian Zelo graduated from the School of Marine Affairs in 2000. He began working for NOAA’s National Ocean Service Office of Response and Restoration in 2002, and now serves as Chief of Staff. We had a chance to catch up with Ian and hear about what he enjoys most about his career, learn what traits have best served him, and ask what advice he has for current SMEA students. 

Why did you decide to pursue a Master of Marine Affairs?
After moving to the west coast as a teenager, I totally fell in love with the ocean. As an undergrad, I pursued a Bachelor of Science in geography and coastal studies so I could learn more about it. I focused mainly in the natural sciences, but once I started considering careers I decided I wanted to know more about the human dimensions around our coasts and oceans. 

Alumna Kendra Ryan graduated from the School of Marine Affairs in 2006, and recently received her PhD in Marine Sciences. She has crafted a multi-disciplinary, multi-interest career in Colorado and Africa. We had a chance to catch up with Kendra and hear about her many interests, her time at SMA, and advice she has for current SMEA students.
Can you give us a brief description of what you do? 

Why did you decide to pursue a Master of Marine Affairs?
After working in fisheries and ecosystem management for four years, I knew I wanted to stay in the marine policy field, but I needed a Master’s degree to advance my career. I wanted a graduate program that focused on the intersection of science and policy and that would expand my knowledge of the field. 

Alumna Ann Farr graduated from the School of Marine Affairs in 1982 and is now an Environmental Manager/State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Responsible Official for two major port projects on the Columbia River. We had a chance to catch up with Ann and hear about her job, her time at SMA, and advice she has for current SMEA students.
Can you give us a brief description of what you do?