When it comes to teeth, vertebrates have a lot in common. No matter the shape, size or sharpness, teeth share genetic origins, physical characteristics and, of course, a home in the jaw. New findings call into question one of these core assumptions. Spotted ratfish, a shark-like species native to the northeastern Pacific Ocean, have rows of teeth on top of their heads, lining a cartilaginous appendage called the tenaculum that loosely resembles Squidward’s nose. The new research was led by FHL postdoctoral researcher Karly Cohen.

A new paper published in Nature Communications on the multiple evolution of glowing fishes, features alumni from the University of Washington, including Jonathan Huie, the first person to graduate from UW Marine Biology.

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.

Chris Mantegna (Marine Biology ’21) features in a new Be Boundless story by the University of Washington. Joining our program as a transfer student, and now a graduate student in the UW School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, Chris’ story is an inspiring one. Read all about what led her to UW, her passion for the marine environment, and her dedication to making marine science more inclusive and accessible to others.

In November 2024, Marine Biology student, Mollie Ball, gave her first research presentation at the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science’s (SACNAS) National Diversity in STEM Conference in Phoenix, and clinched the Outstanding Undergraduate Student Poster Presentation award.

In a new episode of the UW College of the Environment’s FieldSound, Aisha Rashid, a recent graduate of both the Marine Biology and Oceanography programs, shares her experience aboard the research vessel Thomas G. Thompson, her current work with Wild Orca researching Southern Resident killer whales, and her capstone research as a double major. 

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.

Each year, the UW College of the Environment celebrates outstanding students and staff with achievement awards. This year’s Undergraduate Dean’s Medalist has been named as Sarah Hensley, a Marine Biology student in her senior year.