Jun 9, 2021

Endangered blue whales recorded off southwest coast of India

Divya Panicker set out the underwater microphone, or hydrophone, off India’s Kavaratti Island.

Research from the University of Washington shows that endangered blue whales are present and singing off the southwest coast of India. The results suggest that conservation measures should include this region, which is considering expanding tourism. Analysis of recordings from late 2018 to early 2020 in Lakshadweep, an archipelago of 36 low-lying islands west of the Indian state of Kerala, detected whales with a peak activity in April and May.

Bigger and worse wildfires? UW fire experts weigh in

Firefighters respond to the Taylor Creek and Klondike fires in Oregon’s Rogue-Siskiyou National Forest in summer 2018.

2020 was a memorable year for wildfires. Images of burning forests appeared everywhere on social media and attention-grabbing headlines dominated news cycles all over the world. Heading into the 2021 fire season, two big questions loom in everyone’s minds, so we checked in with some fire experts at UW Environment to ask: Are fires getting worse over time? If so, what compounding factors are in place?

Out of the classroom and into the world: next steps for UW Environment grads

Last finals completed, final papers submitted and PhDs defended…what awaits UW Environment students? From continuing studies and field work to entering the job market, our graduates are using their degrees to solve today’s environmental problems. Congratulations to all 2021 graduates, we are all so proud of your accomplishments in and out of the classroom. Hannah Glover – PhD student in the School of Oceanography When I’m done defending my PhD, I am planning on going into the field of environmental consulting, specifically at smaller agencies in the Pacific Northwest that do ecosystem restoration.

Faculty honors: Early career faculty innovator in environmental studies

National Center for Atmospheric research names Cleo Woelfle-Erskine to Early Career Faculty Innovator Program The National Center for Atmospheric Research has named Cleo Woelfle-Erskine, assistant professor in the UW School of Marine & Environmental Affairs, to its Early Career Faculty Innovator Program. The designation comes with a $400,000 award and Woelfle-Erskine is among the new program’s second cohort, working with School of Environmental and Forest Sciences doctoral student Sofi Courtney.

Renowned marine scientist and former NOAA chief Jane Lubchenco to speak at 2021 commencement

University of Washington alumna and former head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Jane Lubchenco will deliver the 2021 UW virtual commencement address on June 12. Lubchenco, now a professor at Oregon State University, was recently tapped by President Joe Biden to serve in an historic, newly created role as Deputy Director for Climate and Environment in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, which has been elevated to the President’s Cabinet.