Oct 24, 2018

A dose of nature: New UW initiative to spearhead research on health benefits of time outside

Time spent in nature can reduce anxiety and help you sleep better at night, experts have found. It also offers promising benefits for a range of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, depression and obesity. But there are still many questions about how time in nature can help with these health conditions, and others. A new University of Washington initiative announced this week seeks to advance research on these questions, connecting academic researchers with pediatricians, childcare providers, mental health practitioners and others who work with various populations on critical health issues.

Kupe and the Corals: bringing science to life for kids

As a burgeoning marine biologist, Jackie Padilla-Gamiño found herself on the shores of Moorea, one of the best places in the world to study corals. The South Pacific island’s healthy reefs, shimmering clear waters, and pristine ecosystems set the stage for the newly minted Dr. Padilla-Gamiño to immerse herself in coral reef ecology. She quickly realized others were interested in her research, too.

Seven science communication projects to inspire your work

College of the Environment faculty, staff and students use countless ways to broaden the reach and impact of their work. We rounded up a few examples that illustrate the breadth, innovation and creativity that come with different kinds of science communication and outreach. Enjoy and explore the highlights from a year of great science communication. 1. Public Comment Project The Public Comment Project seeks to promote evidence-based policy by facilitating scientists’ engagement in public comment on federal regulations.

A closer look at shorelines

Friday Harbor Labs director Billie Swalla (center) spoke with class at San Juan Island's False Bay.

For some people, shorelines are places to sit and admire a sunset. For others, they are fascinating ecological or geological zones. For Cleo Woelfle-Erskine and July Hazard, shorelines are all of this and more. During the spring, Woelfle-Erskine and Hazard oversee a course that teaches undergraduate and graduate students in field writing, involving visits to tribal communities and explorations of shoreline histories and ecologies.

Read more at UW College of Arts and Sciences »

Apr 17, 2018

Rick Keil appointed director of School of Oceanography

Beginning July 1, UW Environment’s School of Oceanography will have a new director. Professor Rick Keil has agreed to serve a five-year term where he will lead faculty, staff and students studying biological, chemical and physical oceanography, as well as marine geology and geophysics. Keil has been serving as the director of the Program on the Environment and has proven to be an effective and collaborative leader.