In his famous words, Oscar Wilde proposed that life imitates art, meaning that art can shape our understanding of life and inspire us to act in certain ways. So why not science too? Marjorie Wonham, Associate Teaching Professor in UW Marine Biology and SAFS, at Friday Harbor Labs, has published a new study in BioScience outlining the six reasons why integrating arts and sciences in higher education is an effort worth undertaking.

When Alexias Thao transferred to UW as a third-year student, she was eager to find a research opportunity. But the task seemed daunting. So when Thao heard about a program that places undergraduates in research labs and matches them with graduate student mentors, she was excited to apply. Enter the IBIS program.

10 years ago, the UN declared 11 February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. On this 10th anniversary at the University of Washington, we’re celebrating our women in aquatic and marine science: women who are leaders in their fields, women who are aspiring to be the next generation of fisheries scientists and marine biologists, women who are uplifting and supporting other women in science.

For over 20 years, Associate Teaching Professor, Sean McDonald, has been working on West Coast crab populations. Among his favorite study subjects is the Dungeness crab. Despite its very high value both commercially and culturally, scientists know surprisingly little about the iconic crustacean’s early life. In a collaborative effort spanning federal agencies, local government, tribes, non-profits and scientists, the Pacific Northwest Crab Research Group (PCRG) has been undertaking a monitoring effort along the Washington coast for larval Dungeness crab, supported by UW students.

Ever wondered how fish breathe? Find out in a new feature via The Daily UW, with Professor Jose Guzman. Fish pull water in through their mouths and pump it over their gills — the fish version of lungs. These gills are equipped with filaments, which are red fleshy tissues with large surface areas and thousands of thin platelike structures called lamellae.

In a new episode of the UW Environment Fieldsound pocast, professors José Guzmán and Mikelle Nuwer speak about how positive the GEODUC program is for students in finding community and learning about science.

We are pleased to announce that the Marine Geoscience Education, Oceanographic Discovery, Undergraduate Collaboration (GEODUC) Scholars Program Team has been awarded the 2024 Distinguished Teaching Award for Teams by the University of Washington.

As much as she loves research, Marjorie Wonham, the newest faculty member in the UW Marine Biology program, is passionate about teaching. Joining the program as an Associate Teaching Professor based at Friday Harbor Laboratories (FHL), Marjorie brings expertise to our program, having established herself as a researcher in marine invasion ecology and a leader in pedagogy in the marine sciences and field-based education. 

Following a successful Marine Biology 2023 Launch Event, held on 9 October with almost 100 first term Marine Biology majors in attendance, we asked our faculty to answer some of the more popular questions. Click below for some more insight from our faculty about research opportunities, future careers, and advice for those at the beginning of their studies. 

Unveil the wonders of the ocean with a new Marine Biology course taught by Dr Ronel Nel.
What is this course about?
The marine realm dominates our planet’s surface and encompasses a rich tapestry of biodiversity. Life began in the oceans, evolving over eons through nature’s meticulous selection. In this introductory course, we’ll unravel the mysteries of familiar animals with extraordinary adaptations and delve into the extraordinary lives of creatures from known and distant habitats, all shaped by the relentless forces of biology and physics.