College scientists elected to the WA State Academy of Sciences

Washington State Academy of Sciences logo

The Washington State Academy of Sciences has elected 18 new members to their ranks this year, including several that work in or closely with the College of the Environment. The organization is charged with providing expert scientific and engineering analysis to inform public policy-making, and works to increase the role and visibility of science in the State of Washington. Among those elected from the College of the Environment are Andre Punt, professor and director of the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences; Eric D’Asaro, professor in the School of Oceanography and the Applied Physics Lab; and Bradley Colman, affiliate professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences. 

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Oso disaster had its roots in earlier landslides

An aerial view of the slide site at Oso, Washington.

An interdisciplinary team of risk analysis experts, engineers, and scientists — including Earth and Spaces Sciences’ David Montgomery — released a report on Tuesday offering details about the Oso landslide that happened earlier this year. The  report focuses on observations and data collection where the landslide occurred, reviews nearby geologic conditions and land-use and landslide risk assessments, and collects eyewitness accounts of the disaster. 

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Geophysicists prep for massive ‘ultrasound’ of Mount St. Helens

The crater of Mount St. Helens.

Scientists are gearing up to get started in earnest this weekend on a massive collaborative effort to map the internal plumbing of Mount St. Helens. The College of the Environment’s Department of Earth and Space Sciences is playing a major role–lead by professor Kenneth Creager–along with numerous other institutions. The researcher’s goal is to better understand the inner workings of the mountain and other volcanoes in the Cascade Range as in order to better protect nearby urban areas. 

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Governor Inslee to speak at 5th annual Pacific Northwest Climate Science Conference

The south-facing flanks of Mt. Rainier.

The 5th annual Pacific Northwest Climate Science Conference — hosted by the Climate Impacts Group and the College of the Environment — will explore the impacts of climate variability and change on the people, natural resources, and infrastructure of the Pacific Northwest. The keynote address will be delivered by Governor Jay Inslee, and the two-day program will include talks from invited speakers and sessions of broad interest connected to climate. 

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Klinger and Swalla named directors of two College units

Terrie Klinger and Billie Swalla

Professor Terrie Klinger has been named director of the School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, and professor Billie Swalla has been named director of the Friday Harbor Laboratories on San Juan Island. Both are units within the College of the Environment, and each appointment is subject to approval by the Board of Regents. The appointments are for five years; Klinger will take her post effective September 1, while Swalla’s begins immediately. 

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