Welcoming new Academic Adviser, Danielle Greiner Shenk
As our student population in the Marine Biology Major continues to grow, so too does our team to support our students. Speaking with the new Academic Adviser, Danielle (Dani) Greiner Shenk, she shared with us her background, how she joined the Marine Biology program, and what most excites her in her new role.
Tell us how what journey took you to the current position as Academic Adviser for UW Marine Biology?
I always knew that I wanted to work with college students in some capacity. When I was in high school, I wanted to be a college professor and focus on the undergraduate experience, so I earned two degrees in Vocal Performance. While in grad school, I worked as a tutor and realized there were other ways to work with college students outside of being a professor.
After working for a time as an opera singer and in community outreach, I wanted to return to Higher Education, and so I took a job in the advising office at Colorado Mesa University.
Seven years ago, I moved to Seattle to be closer to family, and since then I’ve worked at UW in Undergraduate Academic Affairs Advising where I worked with pre-major students from all majors. In fact, I might have seen many of you during a Summer Advising & Orientation (A&O) Program.
Marine Biology has always been one of my favorite majors to advise for. I got to join one of the field trips up to Friday Harbor Labs in 2018, and I really loved that experience. When I saw this position open, I immediately applied.
What most excites you about this position?
I think the opportunity to work with students all the way from prospective students through to alumni is very exciting and one of many benefits of the Marine Biology Major at UW. It offers a chance to get to know students on a deeper level and have contact with them throughout their educational journey and beyond.
I’m also looking forward to helping students integrate educational and intellectual curiosities with opportunities that exist in and out of the classroom.
And of course, I’m thrilled to be able to learn more about wet and slimy things!
What’s something you’d like marine biology students to know about you?
There is absolutely no question a student can have for me that is too small. Please reach out, and we can figure things out together. I’m excited to support you at every stage of your UW journey!
If a pet joins a zoom call, I expect to be introduced.