Aina Hori
- School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, MMA
- Erendira Aceves Bueno
- University of Washington, BS in Marine Biology
My research highlights the benefits and importance of integrating local ecological knowledge into fisheries management. I am currently working to better understand how small-scale fishers’ observations of historical changes in target species abundance near Islas Marías, Mexico compare to Government of Mexico landing reports. I also hope to understand the social and environmental factors to which fishers attribute these changes as they are key narrative elements to the Islas Marias ecosystem.
- Integrating Local Ecological Knowledge to Illuminate the Historical Narrative of Target Species
- Nayarit, Mexico
- School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, MMA
Amelia Duvall
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, PhD
- Dr. Sarah Converse
- University of California, Santa Barbara (B.A. in Environmental Studies & Writing)
Seabirds spend their lives under the water, in the sky, and on land, where they are exposed to a range of threats like invasive predators, fisheries bycatch, and impacts from climate change. As a result, they are one of the most endangered groups of birds in the world. Since a lot of seabirds spend most of their lives at sea and only come to remote islands to breed, they can be notoriously difficult to study. I use a suite of field methods including acoustic monitors, bird banding, satellite tracking, camera traps, and more to peak into their lives. Then, I use quantitative methods in population ecology to understand the status and drivers of seabird populations as well as decision-analytic methods to inform management actions to conserve populations.
- The ecology and conservation of seabird populations in the rapidly changing Pacific Ocean: A case study of the California Channel Islands
- Pacific Ocean
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, PhD
Amirah Casey
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, MS
- Mark Scheuerell
- Western Washington University, BS Marine and Coastal Science
I am interested in the intersection of ecology and policy, and specifically how contaminants are affecting marine ecosystems in Washington State
- TBD
- Washington State
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, MS
Amy Wyeth
- Oceanography, Ph.D.
- Julie Keister and Daniel Grunbaum
- Bates College, B.S.
My research looks at the effects of environmental stressors (such as changes in temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH) on zooplankton populations. Zooplankton are a critical link in the marine food web that support higher trophic levels, including economically important fisheries. I use a combination of field work, laboratory experiments, and video analyses to understand how environmental stressors drive changes in zooplankton behaviors and population distributions. The driving goal of my research is to develop new understandings and monitoring tools that allow us to predict and adapt to changing coastal systems.
- Investigating the effects of environmental stress on coastal zooplankton populations: from mechanistic drivers to trophic impacts
- Puget Sound
- Oceanography, Ph.D.
Anna Fall
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, MS bypassing for PhD
- Anthony Dichiara
- University of Washington, BS in Bioresource Science and Engineering
I am currently researching a plant-based polymer called lignocellulosic cellulose nanofibrils (LCNF) to use as the substrate for manufacturing flexible electronics and energy storage applications. I start by making films out of LCNF and polyvinyl alcohol (both biodegradable substances) then use a laser to engrave the films. This reaction creates graphitic carbon (such as graphite and graphene) which can be used as the electrically conductive material in the flexible electronics and energy storage devices. The current issues with electronics and energy storage devices are the environmentally harmful processing conditions to create the electrically conductive material and the wasteful end of life disposal of these necessary products. The objective is to find a more sustainable alternative for these conductive materials and reduce waste at the end of the lives of these devices via biodegradation.
- Laster-induced Graphitization of Lignocellulosic Nanofibrillated Cellulose Films for Flexible Electronics and Energy Storage Applications
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, MS bypassing for PhD
Anna Grace Ulses
- Earth and Space Sciences, PhD
- Joshua Krissansen-Totton
- University of Dublin, Trinity College. B.A in Physics and Astrophysics
I focus on computer modeling of simulated exoplanetary atmospheres to look for signs of life (biosignatures). I am also interested in terrestrial planet evolution and habitability.
- TBD
- Earth and Space Sciences, PhD
Aspen Coyle
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, MS
- Steven Roberts
- Bowdoin College, BA
My research focuses on the host-parasite complex of Alaskan snow and Tanner crab and the parasitic dinoflagellate Hematodinium. Over the past decade, rates of the infection – which is eventually fatal – have climbed rapidly. My work seeks to understand both the internal dynamics of the infections and the environmental and population variables associated with infection. I’m accomplishing the former through analysis of gene expression over time in infected and uninfected crabs at various temperatures. For the latter, I’m using Alaska Department of Fish and Game survey data to model factors associated with visual presence of Hematodinium infections.
- Alaska
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, MS
Christina Bjarvin
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, Ph.D.
- Indroneil Ganguly
- Western Washington University (BS), University of Washington (MS)
I analyze the carbon footprints of sustainably-sourced wood products and buildings. Wood products can serve as an excellent climate change mitigation strategy when they are used instead of materials like concrete and steel, since wood products typically have much lower carbon footprints, and have carbon stored inside them.
- Analyzing the Construction Waste Stream of Mass Timber Buildings
- Pacific Northwest, USA
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, Ph.D.
Claire Vaage
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, MS
- Julian Olden
- Boise State University, BA Environmental Studies
My current research centers around interactions between native and invasive aquatic species. My work seeks to elucidate the density-driven relationship amongst two invaders, smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) and rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus), and their combined effects on a threatened population of steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Using individual/agent-based and stream temperature models, I am predicting the spread of each invader throughout the river system and how their range will shift in a changing climate. Additionally, I am using stable isotopes and fatty acids to understand the impacts the invasive crayfish have on different life stages of steelhead. Such methods will enable me to reconstruct the food web and explore potentially detrimental effects harming the ESA-listed steelhead of the South Fork of the John Day River.
- Quantifying interactions between multiple nonnative species and impacts to a native salmonid
- John Day River Basin, Oregon, USA
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, MS
Clara Stanbury
- Oceanography, PhD
- Dr. Kendall Valentine & Dr. Andrea Ogston
- University of California Santa Cruz, BS in Environmental Science
Local coastal changes in PNW using field methods and data analysis
- TBD
- Willapa Bay, WA
- Oceanography, PhD
Courtney Skalley
- School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, M.M.A.
- Ryan Kelly, Ingrid Spies, Luke Tornabene
- Texas Christian University, B.A. in Biology
I am researching Alaskan skates, a disk-shaped fish that looks similar to stingrays and lives on the seafloor. In 2021, NOAA researchers conducted a genetic analysis on skate embryos from a Bering Sea nursery (a place where skates lay their eggs) and discovered a new species of skate, closely related to the well-known Alaska skate. The embryos showed no visible differences from Alaska skate embryos; however, the appearance of the adults remains unknown. Without this information, we cannot distinguish it from the Alaska skate for management purposes. The objective of my thesis is to describe the adults of this species. To do this, I am using molecular techniques to analyze adult Alaska skate specimens housed at the UW Fish Collection. If we find the species of interest, then we will describe its physical characteristics so that fishermen, researchers, and at-sea fisheries observers can successfully identify and manage it.
- Speciation and geophylogenetics of Alaskan skates
- North Pacific
- School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, M.M.A.
Danielle Horne
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, MS
- Jon Bakker
- Bowdoin College, BA (Biology)
My research focuses on Wenatchee Mountains checkermallow (Sidalcea oregana var. calva, “SIORCA”), an endangered plant taxon found in central Washington. SIORCA is a narrowly distributed species that occurs in meadows and forest edges with high levels of moisture availability from spring into early summer. I am studying SIORCA’s microsite conditions to understand its habitat and growth requirements, particularly with respect to light availability and soil moisture. My research will assess soil conditions (moisture and texture), light availability, microtopography, and species associations, along with SIORCA abundance, size, and reproductive stages. Relating SIORCA variables to the suite of microsite characteristics will clarify why SIORCA grows where it does, allowing us to better protect existing populations and to identify sites where new populations could be established.
- Characterizing Microsite Conditions and Ecological Tolerance of the Endangered Wenatchee Mountains Checkermallow (Sidalcea oregana var. calva)
- Central Washington
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, MS
Fern Crossway
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, MS
- Josh Lawler
- SUNY-ESF, BS of Conservation Biology
Generally, my thesis research involves investigating how at-risk species respond to multiple, interacting anthropogenic and environmental stressors. Specifically, I am creating a spatially-explicit population model for the endangered Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly, a PNW endemic reliant on similarly endangered western prairies. This model will evaluate connectivity between populations within the larger South Puget Sound and will allow me to determine how the species responds to habitat loss and fragmentation. I will also use this model to explore potential restoration and reintroduction methods to assist in the recovery of the species. Future goals for the project include investigating how microclimate variables influence host plant densities and butterfly behavior and evaluating responses to climate-related stressors.
- Checkerspots and the Vanishing Puget Sound Prairies - Evaluating Population Outcomes and Habitat Connectivity for the Taylor’s Checkerspot Butterfly (Euphydryas editha taylori) Metapopulation in the South Puget Sound
- South Puget Sound Prairie Ecoregion
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, MS
Helena McMonagle
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, PhD
- Tim Essington and Ray Hilborn
- Wellesley College (B.A. in Biological Sciences)
- Helena studies fish that live in the “twilight zone” — the layer of the ocean from about 200 to 1000 meters deep. Although there is little light and relatively low food density in the twilight zone compared to the surface ocean, this global habitat is home to the planet’s most abundant fish, including lanternfish and bristlemouths. These fish are largely unexploited to date, but there has been recent, renewed commercial interest in harvesting them for use in nutritional supplements and fishmeal. Before large-scale harvesting may begin, Helena is interested in further quantifying the role that these small but abundant fish play in the biological carbon pump, an important part of the marine carbon cycle, and in providing prey for animals higher in the food web such as tunas, swordfish, penguins, dolphins and seabirds.
- Quantifying and sustaining ecosystem services of mesopelagic fishes
- Atlantic Ocean
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, PhD
Hemalatha Velappan
- Environmental and Forest Sciences, PhD
- Indroneil Ganguly
- University of Washington, MPA (Environmental Policy)
I use remote sensing, machine learning, and other data analysis tools to identify, estimate, and analyze timber plantations in Tropical countries. I also use Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) techniques to understand the environmental impact of various wood products. Through these different researches, I’m trying to improve the sustainability and legality of the international wood and wood products trade.
- TBD
- Tropical Americas
- Environmental and Forest Sciences, PhD
Jenna Morris
- SEFS, PhD
- Brian Harvey
- UW, MS in SEFS in 2020; Whitworth University, BS in Biology in 2017
My graduate work explores the effects of disturbances (e.g., wildfire, insect outbreaks) on forests in the Pacific Northwest and U.S. Rocky Mountains, leveraging field studies, permanent plot networks, and landscape modeling to improve our ability to maintain resilient forest structure and function in a changing climate. My current PhD research is focused on anticipating future forest and fire dynamics in moist conifer forests west of the Cascade Mountain Crest in Washington and northern Oregon (‘northwestern Cascadia’). I am combining field data from recently burned areas across the region with a powerful landscape simulation model (iLand) to compare post-fire forest trajectories under future climate and management scenarios. This work will help land managers develop strategies for promoting climate adaptation and resource management goals in post-fire landscapes.
- Post-fire fuels, carbon, and vegetation trajectories in moist temperate forests: Implications for future fire and management
- Northwestern Cascadia (west of the Cascade Mountain Crest in Washington and northern Oregon)
- SEFS, PhD
Jezella Peraza
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, MS
- John Horne
- California State University, Monterey Bay, BS
I am developing an empirical and agent-based simulation model that estimates encounters and impacts between Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) and arbitrary axial- and cross-flow tidal turbine devices in Admiralty Inlet, WA. Potential impacts include collision, blade strike, and collision and blade strike sequentially. As the world transitions from fossil fuels, marine renewable energy technologies offer a reliable and sustainable alternative. My overall research goal is to quantify these potential impacts to enhance marine renewable development in the United States to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change impacts.
- Empirical and agent-based probabilistic encounter models between fish and tidal turbine devices
- Puget Sound, WA
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, MS
John Morgan Manos
- Earth and Space Sciences, PhD
- Brad Lipovsky
- Ohio State University, BS (Atmospheric Sciences)
I use distributed fiber optic sensing equipment to make high spatiotemporal resolution geophysical measurements of glaciers and ice sheets. The goal of this work is to elucidate small scale mechanics of basal and englacial motion often missed by conventional geophysical sensing equipment. I want to answer the questions: how does englacial shear impact preservation of old basal ice and how do glaciers or ice sheets respond to a changing climate? To answer these questions, I have deployed to Antarctica, high alpine glaciers in Canada, and to glaciers locally in the Pacific Northwest.
- Distributed fiber optic sensing of glaciers and ice caps
- Polar Ice Caps and Alpine Glaciers
- Earth and Space Sciences, PhD
Kat Leigh
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, PhD
- Chris Anderson
- University of California Santa Barbara, Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, Masters in Marine & Environmental Science & Management
I focus on market failures in coastal and aquatic resource economies, especially in Southeast Asia. I use contract theory to examine incentive structures that influence our daily and long-term resource decisions.
- TBD
- Indonesia
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, PhD
Keenan Ganz
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, MS
- Monika Moskal
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, BS in Computational Biology & Environmental Science
I am studying how the temperature of a forest canopy is related to long-term wildfire and tree mortality risk. We know that healthy plants are several degrees cooler than unhealthy plants, but there isn’t much research on how we can use that information to monitor the health of forests. I use drones, satellites, and really powerful computers to measure the temperature of forest canopies and determine if their current temperature is an indicator of future damage. In the long term, I want to develop long-term forecasts of forest health that will help forest managers anticipate wildfires and keep the public informed on the forests they love.
- Remote sensing in conifer forests: from needle to ecosystem
- Western US
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, MS
Kristina Randrup
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, PhD
- Trevor Branch
- University of Washington, BS in ESRM; University of Wisconsin, MS in GIS
I am studying a variety of things related to blue whales. My first chapter is a stock assessment of the populations in the North Pacific.
- TBD
- Pacific Ocean/oceans globally
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, PhD
Lara Volski
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, Ph.D.
- Dr. Alex McInturff
- University of California Berkeley, Conservation and Resource Studies
I draw from both wildlife ecology and social theory to study the return of wolves to Washington State, and how to ensure the perspectives of local communities are heard and incorporated into decision-making.
- TBD
- Columbia River Gorge
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, Ph.D.
Leo Wahl
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, MS
- Sergey Rabotyagov
- SUNY-ESF, B.S. of Conservation Biology
I am interested in ecological policy impacts on landscape scales. I am currently examining the effects of buffer laws on ecological function, specifically on landscape connectivity as measured from satellite imagery classification.
- The Role of Buffer Strips in Promoting Landscape Connectivity in the American Corn Belt
- U.S. Corn Belt
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, MS
Mel Good
- Marine and Environmental Affairs, MMA
- P. Sean McDonald, Erendira Aceves Bueno
- University of California Santa Cruz, BS (Ecology & Evolutionary Bioloy)
I have worked with the Pacific Northwest Crab Research Group, collecting local expert knowledge to create a conceptual model of the South Puget Sound Dungeness Crab fishery. With this conceptual model, I am working on the development of a qualitative network model that aims to identify vulnerabilities in the population and inform future management action to create a sustainable fishery.
- A qualitative network model for the sustainable management of Dungeness Crab (Metacarcinus magister) in South Puget Sound
- Puget Sound
- Marine and Environmental Affairs, MMA
Michelle Dvorak
- Oceanography, Ph.D.
- Kyle Armour
- University of Washington, MMA in Marine and Environmental Affairs
I study earth’s climate sensitivity using global climate models, with a focus on simulating past warm climate states and understanding the role of ocean dynamics in setting the global temperature response to GHGs.
- Global
- Oceanography, Ph.D.
Miles Epstein
- Atmospheric Sciences PhD
- Alex Anderson-Frey
- University of British Columbia: Combined Honours in Atmospheric Science and Computer Science
My current research focuses on severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in the United Sates. My goal is to improve forecast products, such the Storm Prediction Center’s Convective Outlooks, by analyzing past forecast and storm report data. My approach involves statistical and machine learning methods to derive meaning from large historical datasets.
- Near-Storm Environmental Evolution and Failure Modes for Moderate- and High-Risk Storm Prediction Center Convective Outlooks
- United States
- Atmospheric Sciences PhD
Nikol Damato
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, Ph.D.
- Dr. Alex McInturff
- University of Rhode Island, Marine Affairs (MA); Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, History (BA), Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Sustainability (BS)
I am an interdisciplinary social scientist with expertise in the human dimensions of marine conservation. My research examines public policy and decision-making for recovery of the endangered Southern Resident killer whales in the Salish Sea.
- TBD
- Salish Sea
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, Ph.D.
Robert Swan
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, Ph.D.
- Dr. Eric Turnblom
- University of Washington, MS
I use remote sensing, inventory, and spatial information to determine the efficiency of individual tree growth, the conditions that influence that efficiency, and use that information to maximize the growth of forests following thinning treatments. This work provides tools for forest managers and improves our ability to address multiple concurrent objectives such as sustainable timber generation, wildlife habitat, and carbon sequestration.
- Growing space efficiency, crown development dynamics, and thinning tree selection in Douglas-fir, western hemlock and their mixture in the Pacific Northwest.
- Pacific Northwest, United States
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, Ph.D.
Sycora Powell
- School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, M.M.A.
- Dr. P. Joshua Griffin & Dr. Sameer Shah
- CSU Channel Islands
My work centers on the intersections of Black Liberation and Indigenous Sovereignty movements with an emphasis on pedagogies, land occupation and reciprocal healing to help illuminate other aspects of Environmental and Social Justice. My research methodologies includes community-based participatory research, ethnography, Indigenous methodologies, storywork, and qualitative studies.
- Healing Bodies: Micro-sites of Sovereignty as places for Refuge, Regeneration and World-Building
- Coast Salish Territories/ Duwamish homelands/ Seattle
- School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, M.M.A.
Tongxin Cai
- Oceanography, PhD
- Zhongxiang Zhao and Eric D'Asaro
- Stanford University (MS in Environment Engineering); Sun Yat-sen University (BS in Marine Science)
- My present study looks at the dynamics of variable internal tidal waves in a changing ocean, utilizing both in-situ measurements and satellite altimetry data. Internal tidal waves are comparable to surface waves, but they occur in the ocean interior at tidal frequencies. The in-situ data comes from a variety of sources, including Argo floats, an international program that employs a fleet of robotic instruments that drift with ocean currents and move up and down between the surface and a mid-water level, and moorings, a collection of devices connected to a wire and anchored on the sea floor. The internal tide model is based on 27 years of satellite altimetry observation.
- Time‑Varying internal tides revealed by mooring measurements in SWOT Cal/Val pre‑Launch field campaign 2019
- Pacific Ocean
- Oceanography, PhD
Yiyu Ni
- Earth and Space Sciences, PhD
- Marine Denolle
- Jilin University, BS in Geophysics
The overall goal of my research is to advance our knowledge of monitoring earthquakes and near-surface structure by leveraging heterogeneous datasets from seismic stations and fiber-optic sensing. A core focus of my research is the development of cutting-edge tools that empower cloud computing for massive seismic data storing and processing. My recent study involves time-lapse imaging of shallow subsurface using a dark fiber in the northern Seattle region.
- Time-lapse Imaging of Shallow Subsurface with Dark Fiber in the Northern Seattle
- Seattle and Pacific Northwest
- Earth and Space Sciences, PhD