In the fourth episode of the “Where Are They Now?” series, we speak to Sanna Titus (BS 2020) who is now a Research Assistant at the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour.
The series showcases UW’s Marine Biology graduates in their early careers.

Interested in being featured and sharing your story? Please contact Niamh Owen-McLaughlin. 

On board the UW Oceanography-operated research vessel during the VISIONS 2023 expedition, Avery Jenkins, a second year undergraduate in Marine Biology, had an immersive experience conducting deep sea research. He shared his 14-day trip with us and what it was like to be on the research cruise. Interested in applying for the 2024 VISIONS expedition? Keep an eye out for when applications open in early Spring. 

In Part 2 of our ‘Where Are They Now?’ Alumni Series, UW Marine Biology graduate, Jake Kirschner, shares how his degree prepared him for his career with the Port of Everett. 

Spending next summer studying sea turtles and marine mammals in Croatia, Marine Biology undergrad Cali took over our Instagram, for a ‘day in the life’ feature.
Hi guys! Thanks for tuning into my takeover yesterday. Just in case you missed it, I shared some information about IFE’s and studying abroad. I would love if more people from UW would be in Croatia with me studying sea turtles and marine mammals! 

Passionate about sailing, photography and scuba diving, UW Marine Biology undergrad Yoochan took over our Instagram to share insight into how he became interested in these subjects and how it’s continued through his college studies.
Thank you for tuning in today! My name is Yoochan (@yoochan.an), and I am a first-year student majoring in Marine Biology here at UW. It was a pleasure to do the takeover today. 

Writing for FieldNotes, a student-run undergraduate journal and digital storytelling platform, Marine Biology undergrad Yoochan An shares his insight into the unusual sighting of a mola mola fin in the Puget Sound. 

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. 

Why did you decide to study marine biology?

I was in elementary school, probably 2nd or 3rd grade, sitting in the library with nothing to do, quite bored. I decided to take a browse in the science section, because my interest in the fiction available at the time was low. As I sifted through, I stumbled across this encyclopedia of different shark species and some surface level facts about them. 

What set you on the path to study marine biology?
I was 5 years old and watching Finding Nemo in the movie theater – that’s the moment I knew I wanted to be a marine biologist. Exploring beaches, snorkeling on holiday in Hawaii – these were things I’ve always loved to do. As a military kid, I moved to Washington and immediately fell in love with the incredible natural environment that’s really unique to us here. 

It was thrilling to be a part of the world of science communications and wildlife film and pave the way for other girls of color, like me, looking to make an impact in this creative field.