Comb jellies – and not sponges – may lay claim as the earliest ancestors of animals, according to Billie Swalla, University of Washington professor of biology an interim director of Friday Harbor Laboratories. Her contributions helped decode the genomic blueprints for 10 ctenophore – or comb jelly – species, an analysis that suggests these beautiful sea creatures form the first branch on the animal kingdom’s tree of life.
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The College of the Environment’s newest degree program, the Master of Science in Science for Teachers (MSST) is now accepting applications for the upcoming academic year. The program is designed for practicing science teachers, who will strengthen their knowledge and gain experience by completing meaningful scientific research with renowned UW researchers. Through a combination of a customized course plan and one-on-one faculty-mentored scientific research, MSST transforms science teachers into practicing scientists who return to their classrooms with the experience of doing fundamental or applied scientific inquiry.
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Students are among the beneficiaries of the UW’s deep polar expertise, which is highlighted in the collaborative and new Future of Ice Initiative made up of multiple units across campus. The Initiative represents a commitment by the University to invest in knowledge about the polar regions, and provide a framework through which to foster collaborative partnerships with stakeholders at high latitudes.
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The College of the Environment is pleased to announce the availability of student scholarships for the 2014-2015 academic year. Scholarships available include the Clarence H. Campbell Endowed Lauren Donaldson Scholarship, the Nancy Wilcox Scholarship, the Del Rio Environmental Studies Scholarship, and the Yakama Nation Endowed Fund for Student Support Scholarship. Award amounts for all scholarships will vary depending upon financial need and will be distributed over the course of the Autumn, Winter and Spring quarters the academic year.
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Washington Sea Grant based at the University of Washington has passed a lifesaving milestone: its field agents conducted their 100th Coast Guard-certified Safety at Sea class for tribal and commercial fishers, teaching them how to survive the mishaps and disasters that have claimed hundreds of lives in Washington’s turbulent waters. Fittingly enough, this two-day class was held as rain poured and the wind raged up to 40 miles per hour.
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