Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology, Minor in Oceanography

Bachelor of Science, Majors in Marine Biology and Ecology, Evolution & Conservation Biology

2025 College of the Environment Undergraduate Dean’s Medalist

WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MEMORY OR EXPERIENCE WITH THE MARINE BIOLOGY PROGRAM?

I loved how much real research experience I received during my time in the Marine Biology program. From CTD deployments off the R/V Rachel Carson to negotiating with ggplot2 in R to looking for killer whale poop with Dr. Deborah Giles, I got to learn on boats, in the water, and in the laboratory more than I could have imagined! I feel ready to call myself a scientist and most of that confidence came from the willingness of my amazing instructors (notably, Dr. Amy Van Cise, Dr. José Guzman, Dr. Sasha Seroy, and Dr. Mikelle Nuwer) to let me get my grubby hands in there and try things. I have been especially grateful for my time working in the Whale and Dolphin Ecology Lab, where I have had the chance to grow as a marine mammal bioacoustician and geneticist!

WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT PLANS POST-GRADUATION?

I’m excited to share that I will be returning to the University of Washington this fall (2025) to pursue a Masters of Science at the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences! I will be working with Dr. Amy Van Cise to understand more about how diet composition influences the gut microbiome of marine mammals.

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology, Minor in Quantitative Science

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology, Minors in Chemistry and Oceanography

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

Bachelor of Science, Majors in Marine Biology and Oceanography

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT PLANS POST-GRADUATION?

Peace Corps Service in the Dominican Republic.

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology, Minor in Chemistry

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT PLANS POST-GRADUATION?

Dental School.

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology, Minor in Anthropology

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology, Minor in Climate Science

WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MEMORY OR EXPERIENCE WITH THE MARINE BIOLOGY PROGRAM?

One of my favorite memories from the program is seeing wild orcas for the first time during my time at FHL freshman year.

FAVORITE CLASS YOU TOOK FOR THE MARINE BIOLOGY MAJOR AND WHY?

Dr. Jacqueline Padilla-Gamiño’s tropical marine biology class was one of my favorites! She is an amazing professor who taught so much about tropical marine life and ecology in such a short time. I really enjoyed the behind the scenes aquarium tour we took of the new Coral Triangle exhibit as part of her class.

Bachelor of Science, Majors in Marine Biology and Aquatic & Fishery Sciences

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MEMORY OR EXPERIENCE WITH THE MARINE BIOLOGY PROGRAM?

Spending a quarter at the Friday Harbor Labs was amazing and taught me so much! It was the best time I had during my time at the University of Washington.

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MEMORY OR EXPERIENCE WITH THE MARINE BIOLOGY PROGRAM?

One of my favorite memories with the marine biology program is Friday Harbor. It’s not just a place to go and experience marine biology, but a classroom that becomes your environment, making learning a fun and engaging experience. The therapeutic feeling of driving around Friday Harbor is something I highly recommend. And for an added touch of enjoyment, I suggest listening to “Into Yesterday” by Sugar Ray.

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology, Minor in Philosophy

WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MEMORY OR EXPERIENCE WITH THE MARINE BIOLOGY PROGRAM?

My time at Friday Harbor Labs completing my integrative field experience allowed me to connect with peers I had previous classes with in a way that the main campus did not. We worked together but also lived and ate together, leading to many memories and hopefully lifelong friendships

Bachelor of Science, Majors in Marine Biology and Ecology, Evolution & Conservation Biology

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

Bachelor of Science, Majors in Marine Biology and Environmental Science and Terrestrial Resource Management, Minor in Quantitative Science

FAVORITE CLASS YOU TOOK FOR THE MARINE BIOLOGY MAJOR AND WHY?

I had a great (and challenging) time in Dr. Kerry Naish’s Marine Evolutionary Biology course. Although it’s required for the major, I found it to be one of the most intriguing classes and I became interested in the research people do to understand evolutionary relationships. Since then, I’ve been conducting research in her lab with my mentor Chris Setzke on Infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV), a virus with multiple strains that can infect salmonids here in the Pacific Northwest. It’s been one of the most rewarding and challenging projects I’ve worked on!

WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT PLANS POST-GRADUATION?

I am currently a semi-finalist for the Fulbright Research Award in Australia where I hope to collaborate on quantitative research at the University of Sydney with Dr. Joshua Cinner. This would be an amazing opportunity to work on sustainable fisheries for Papua New Guinea (PNG), one of Australia’s former colonies. I would create long-term conservation and management plans to support PNG’s fisheries sector in safeguarding ecological health and preserving cultural heritage, while maintaining economic stability. This experience would allow me to work directly with local communities in tropical marine habitats and explore fisheries through an environmental justice lens before pursuing graduate school.

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology, Minor in Construction Management

WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MEMORY OR EXPERIENCE WITH THE MARINE BIOLOGY PROGRAM?

Having the privilege of watching J Pod swim past Lime Kiln Point at Friday Harbor Labs less than 50 feet from where I stood.

FAVORITE CLASS YOU TOOK FOR THE MARINE BIOLOGY MAJOR AND WHY?

Taking Salmonid Life History with Professor Thomas P. Quinn.

WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT PLANS POST-GRADUATION?

Working as a Field Engineer with Kiewit Bridge and Marine.

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MEMORY OR EXPERIENCE WITH THE MARINE BIOLOGY PROGRAM?

Hanging out with new friends at Friday Harbor Labs.

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology, Minor in Minor in Environmental Science & Terrestrial Resource Management

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology, Minor in Paleobiology

WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MEMORY OR EXPERIENCE WITH THE MARINE BIOLOGY PROGRAM?

Going to Friday Harbor was phenomenal, it changes your whole perspective of marine biology!

WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT PLANS POST-GRADUATION?

I plan on getting an M.S. in Paleontology!

Bachelor of Science, Majors in Marine Biology and Oceanography

WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MEMORY OR EXPERIENCE WITH THE MARINE BIOLOGY PROGRAM?

I’ve had many influential experiences with the Marine Biology Program, but I was fortunate enough to get my scientific diving certification, allowing me to conduct research underwater.

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology, Minor in Environmental Studies

Bachelor of Science, Majors in Marine Biology, Minors in Quantitative Science and Oceanography

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT PLANS POST-GRADUATION?

I will be doing research at the Friday Harbor Laboratories this summer!

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology, Minor in Chemistry

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology, Minor in Oceanography

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MEMORY OR EXPERIENCE WITH THE MARINE BIOLOGY PROGRAM?

I enjoyed being a part of GEODUC scholars, the friends i made from it and within courses, all the time and experiences at Friday Harbor Laboratories, getting to know the faculty teaching my classes, learning all these things about fish, invertebrates, seaweed etc that i did not know fully until I got to the program!

FAVORITE CLASS YOU TOOK FOR THE MARINE BIOLOGY MAJOR AND WHY?

I loved Fish 311, more than i expected to as I knew nothing about fish beforehand, I loved my Arctic vertebrates fish 464, all the time spent with microscopes between invertebrate zoology and botany. I’ve enjoyed getting to know my faculty and graduate TA’s.

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology, Minor in Drama (Acting)

WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MEMORY OR EXPERIENCE WITH THE MARINE BIOLOGY PROGRAM?

My favorite experience with the Marine Biology program was when I saw a gray whale breach during a boat trip during my time at Friday Harbor Labs freshman year. It was the most magical experience of a lifetime.

FAVORITE CLASS YOU TOOK FOR THE MARINE BIOLOGY MAJOR AND WHY?

I’ve really enjoyed all of Professor José Guzmán’s classes. I didn’t expect marine physiology to become such an interesting subject for me, but his teaching made it engaging—especially the chance to conduct independent research and explore topics like metabolism. I also had the opportunity to work with Dr. Guzmán during the three-week summer IFE (MARBIO 488) at Friday Harbor Labs. He and Dr. Sasha Seroy created a fun, supportive environment that made field research exciting and helped me strengthen my skills in both fieldwork and RStudio.

WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT PLANS POST-GRADUATION?

This summer, I’ll be interning with SR3 (Sealife Response, Rehabilitation, and Research) as a Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Intern. I’ll work with the animal care and veterinary team to help rehabilitate marine mammals (primarily harbor seals) and support public outreach about local marine wildlife. After the internship, I’ll move to Grayland, Washington, to work as a coastal resource manager for the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe through the Washington Sea Grant Coastal Resilience Fellowship.

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MEMORY OR EXPERIENCE WITH THE MARINE BIOLOGY PROGRAM?

I got to work the Narwhal Mysteries activity for the SAFS Open House last year. The activity explored some of the unique behaviors of narwhals and how we study these mysterious marine mammals. Getting to watch reactions and answer questions from a wide range of participants helped fuel my passion for live scientific communication.

FAVORITE CLASS YOU TOOK FOR THE MARINE BIOLOGY MAJOR AND WHY?

The history of life on Earth is a broad and complex topic we explore in Marine Evolutionary Biology. Covering billions of years and endless adaptations across countless geographic and environmental conditions is challenging under the best conditions, let alone under the pressures of upper division studies. Kerry was able to cohesively connect the various lines of evidence that form the foundation of our understanding of biological history and present the interdisciplinary narrative in a clear and interesting way. This class helped me identify biological trends on large timescales and gave me a better appreciation for the journey from the most basic forms of life to the world we see today.

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MEMORY OR EXPERIENCE WITH THE MARINE BIOLOGY PROGRAM?

Going to Friday Harbor Labs for MarBio 488 was definitely a highlight of my time at UW. Being able to nerd-out on all things marine biology with a diverse group of people was awesome.

FAVORITE CLASS YOU TOOK FOR THE MARINE BIOLOGY MAJOR AND WHY?

It’s difficult to chose just one, there were so many classes and professors that were incredible. I will say that Marine Biology (MarBio 250) with José Guzman was the first class I took when I transferred to UW my junior year, and it was one of the reasons I changed my major to Marine Biology. The wide overview of the class content laid such a great foundation for me to really succeed in this program.

WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT PLANS POST-GRADUATION?

I’m currently working as an aquarist, responsible for the animal husbandry and tank maintenance for multiple large freshwater fish aquariums. I am also a scuba diver involved in gathering ecological survey data for research on the health of coastal habitats around the Puget Sound.

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology, Minor in Oceanography

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MEMORY OR EXPERIENCE WITH THE MARINE BIOLOGY PROGRAM?

I will always miss the feeling of walking out of my dorm in Friday Harbor to grab a cup of tea. I don’t think any location can top the labs up on the San Juans. It is genuinely a whole different world where I was able to meet some of my closest friends and make memories that will not soon be forgotten.

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology, Minor in Oceanography

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

Bachelor of Science, Majors in Marine Biology and Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology

Bachelor of Science, Majors in Marine Biology and Ecology, Evolution & Conservation Biology

WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MEMORY OR EXPERIENCE WITH THE MARINE BIOLOGY PROGRAM?

Impromptu orca encounters, kelp tuba-making, yoga deck campouts, 1am ping-pong battles, late-night dock lighting… Where other than Friday Harbor? My time at the Labs was an incredible opportunity to gain hands-on research experience, explore the islands, learn more about myself, and make lifelong friends—all, of course, while maxing out my photo storage!

FAVORITE CLASS YOU TOOK FOR THE MARINE BIOLOGY MAJOR AND WHY?

Tropical Marine Biology with Dr. Padilla-Gamiño and Callum Backstrom. After dissecting polyps in Dr. Padilla-Gamiño’s lab, it was exciting to put all the pieces together as I learned more about coral behavior and anatomy. We got to cap everything off with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Seattle Aquarium’s Animal Care Center!

WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT PLANS POST-GRADUATION?

I am joining the UW Biology Department as a Teaching Associate!

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology, Minors in Environmental Studies and Aquatic and Fishery Sciences

WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MEMORY OR EXPERIENCE WITH THE MARINE BIOLOGY PROGRAM?

Releasing and monitoring sunflower stars with the Hodin Laboratory up in Friday Harbor has been one of my most treasured experiences from the UW Marine Biology program. I look forward to diving and researching more with the lab this summer!

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MEMORY OR EXPERIENCE WITH THE MARINE BIOLOGY PROGRAM?

I loved going to FHL and would recommend everyone to take a summer there!

FAVORITE CLASS YOU TOOK FOR THE MARINE BIOLOGY MAJOR AND WHY?

Marine Biology has some of the best professors with the most interesting topics to learn. Many professors were great but I loved the depth of teaching and connection that Jose Guzman, Kerry Naish, Chelsea Wood, and Luke Tornabene bring to students within this program!

WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT PLANS POST-GRADUATION?

I plan to work for the state (WDFW), I want to work closely to fisheries/hatcheries and be able to utilize my skills in python for data analysis.

Bachelor of Science, Majors in Marine Biology and Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, Minors in Quantitative Science and Oceanography

WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MEMORY OR EXPERIENCE WITH THE MARINE BIOLOGY PROGRAM?

Friday Harbor Labs will always hold a special place in my heart. The labs, the beautiful island, and the people are incredible!

FAVORITE CLASS YOU TOOK FOR THE MARINE BIOLOGY MAJOR AND WHY?

I cannot thank Chelsea Wood enough for the community she has folded me into. Getting to work alongside her AMAZING team (shout out to Connor, Daki, Gabby, and Katie!) in New Orleans was such a blast! Parasite Ecology opened up the door for some incredible opportunities and is definitely a class forever close to my heart.

I also can’t leave out José and his classes. They will always stand out as some of my favorites (FISH 270 & 460) – his incredible passion for his students and his interest in physiology made for some of the best FISH classes offered at UW.

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology, Minor in Data Science

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MEMORY OR EXPERIENCE WITH THE MARINE BIOLOGY PROGRAM?

My favorite experience was becoming a scientific diver through the subtidal marine ecology course at Friday Harbor Labs.

FAVORITE CLASS YOU TOOK FOR THE MARINE BIOLOGY MAJOR AND WHY?

I really enjoyed taking Bio 370 with Dr. Naish, and really appreciated her help learning how to construct specialized phylogenies for the final project.

WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT PLANS POST-GRADUATION?

In the fall I will be starting my PhD in Genetics and Genomics at the University of Florida. I plan to focus on the molecular communication between coral and their symbionts, and how this communication mediates host-symbiont specificity.

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology, Minor in Quantitative Science

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MEMORY OR EXPERIENCE WITH THE MARINE BIOLOGY PROGRAM?

One of my favorite experiences as a Marine Biology major was the Pelagic Ecosystem Function apprenticeship at Friday Harbor. This was such a unique and rewarding opportunity to gain valuable ocean research experience!

WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT PLANS POST-GRADUATION?

I will be attending UW’s School of Marine and Environmental Affairs in June and could not be more excited to learn about coastal policy and conduct research!

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology, Minor in Data Science

WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MEMORY OR EXPERIENCE WITH THE MARINE BIOLOGY PROGRAM?

I had the amazing opportunity to spend two awesome quarters at FHL! I got to see some many seals, sea lions, orcas, and much more. Truly some of my favorite memories of college!

WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT PLANS POST-GRADUATION?

I am going to be a Salt Marsh Field Technician this summer in Massachusetts!

Bachelor of Science, Major in Marine Biology

WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MEMORY OR EXPERIENCE WITH THE MARINE BIOLOGY PROGRAM?

Throughout my time with Marine Biology, I really enjoyed my experience at Friday Harbor labs as I had many fun and treasurable experiences with peers.