SMEA alum Mikaela Freeman’s newly published thesis ‘Assessing potential spatial and temporal conflicts in Washington’s marine waters’ is now out in Marine Policy. Applying spatial analysis to current ocean uses in Washington to highlight areas of high- and low- potential conflict offshore, as well as learning GIS along the way, Mikaela looked at the ongoing process of marine spatial planning. The study represents a first step towards quantifying potential conflicts within Washington’s Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) study area by using a cumulative analysis to highlight high- and low-use intensity areas and the novel Marine Potential Conflict Index (MPCI), which incorporates space, time, and intensity of use, to quantify pairwise potential conflicts between uses. 

Why did you decide to pursue a Master of Marine Affairs?
I studied Marine Affairs & Policy in Undergraduate at University of Miami. I had originally started out as a Marine Biology major, but after a couple years, I realized that what is done with scientific knowledge is just as important as the science itself. I saw this while studying abroad in the Galapagos, where I was exposed to the social, political, and economic issues surrounding the marine environment. 

Professor Tom Leschine was recognized by the College of the Environment for his Outstanding Community Impact. The award recognizes individuals who through stakeholder engagement inspire, and drives interactive uses of environmental science and information to impact the broader community. Tom’s efforts to advance environmental quality at a national level and in Washington state were just some of the examples cited during the college’s award ceremony.  

From a former student
Professor Miles’s (“Ed” as he encouraged his students to call him) first words of advice to our IMS 500 class were less than inspiring. “Study ocean policy because you find it interesting in and of itself, not to change the world.” It was 1978, a few short years after the first Earth Day. I was at IMS to learn how to save the world, at least the watery portion of it; Ed’s admonition seemed too cautious, maybe even cynical. 

Why did you decide to pursue a Master of Marine Affairs?
I studied physical sciences almost exclusively as an undergraduate, and I felt that I needed to build a knowledge base that included policy and law in order to be fully successful. I enjoy studying every aspect of the marine environment, not just biology or chemistry.
Why did you decide to come to UW’s SMEA for graduate school? 

Congratulations to Brian Tracey for being part of the first cohort of students who make up the Husky 100!
The Husky 100 recognizes 100 UW undergraduate and graduate students from Bothell, Seattle and Tacoma in all areas of study who are making the most of their time at the UW. Through the Husky Experience, students discover their passions in life and work. 

Heather Brandon is a SMEA alum who earned her MMA in 2004. She currently works for the World Wildlife Fund, Arctic Field Program, Alaska, as a Senior Fisheries Officer.
Can you give us a brief description of what you do for the World Wildlife Fund?
I work on topics that involve fish or fishing, such as illegal fishing/poaching, bycatch, marine mammal interactions, ecosystem-based management, advocacy for conservation in management, marine protected areas, sustainable seafood certification, etc. 

Congratulations to SMEA students Maggie Allen and Hannah Russell! Maggie Allen won best graduate student presentation for her talk, “Stronger Together: The Cross-Cultural Coalition to Stop Fossil Fuel Exports in the Salish Sea”, which she presented at the 2016 Salish Sea Ecosystem conference in Vancouver, BC. Student judging was conducted by 140 judges of 85 student presentations. Hannah Russell was awarded the Graduate School Boeing International Fellowship for international study or research for the 2016–2017 academic year. 

Why did you decide to pursue a Master of Marine Affairs?
Growing up on the beaches of Los Angeles, I wanted to understand the multifaceted systems that govern developing coastlines. I was seeking to supplement my scientific background with marine-focused policy studies.
Why did you decide to come to UW’s SMEA for graduate school?
I chose to come to SMEA because of my plan –to remain and work in this field on the West Coast — and the size, flexibility, and interdisciplinary nature of this program. 

The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs put a call out to all graduate students to nominate a postdoc who has made a difference in their lives. Among the many nominees SMEA Postdoc Stacia Dreyer was awarded the 2016 Postdoc Mentoring Award. Congratulations Stacia! Thank you for your remarkable work and for making a difference for SMEA students.