From salmon ecologists and scientific divers to conservation geneticists and marine biologists, the halls of UW’s School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences and Marine Biology are filled with women in science.
Some are just beginning their journey with undergraduate degrees while others are pursuing research as retired professors, and we’re celebrating them all and the diversity among them.
For the UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we share thoughts from more than 20 women, about their inspirations, the barriers they’ve overcome, and tips for being women in science. 

Welcome to the next student takeover! 2nd-year marine biology student, Samantha-Lynn Martinez, took over our Instagram and unpacked her exciting journey of combining design, illustration, camerawork, and science communication with her work here at UW, as well as outside of UW with research and marine science education gigs.

Samantha worked on an honors ad hoc project about how fishes hear with her instructor and curator of fishes at the Burke Museum, Luke Tornabene, over Autumn quarter. 

We spoke to Lauren Walthour, a UW Marine Biology student, taking part in a study abroad semester in Australia. Find out about her studies, research abroad experiences and what inspired her to pursue a marine biology major.
Dolphins, dreams and marine biology
I am participating in the semester long study abroad called SIT (School for International Training) Australia: Rainforest, Reef, and Ecology program. 

One of the most recognized whales, especially in the Pacific Northwest where they live in pods, is the orca, also known as the killer whale.
Ahead of Orca Recovery Day taking place on 15 October, we spoke with killer whale researcher and expert in her field, Dr. Giles.
With a special focus on the Southern Resident Killer Whale population, found off Washington, Oregon, Northern California, and British Columbia, Dr. 

Samantha-Lynn Martinez, a second-year undergrad studying Marine Biology, recently served as a research assistant for the art-sciences project, Care for the Stranded, in collaboration with the Henry Art Gallery over the course of this summer. This project allowed her to combine her creative passions of photography and design with the marine science topics she is most excited about, and recounts her experience in Photo-ID work and more in her Interdisciplinary Honors Portfolio. 

Dr Brooke Wiegel shares her postdoc research effort at Friday Harbor Labs with the Tide Bite newsletter. Many of you are familiar with the kelp forests that flourish throughout the Salish Sea and the outer coastal waters of Washington. These beautiful, giant brown algae are essential habitat-forming species – some grow from the bottom of the ocean to the surface, forming underwater forests that can extend more than 80 feet in height. 

Coral reefs can adapt to climate change if given the chance to evolve, according to a study led by Coral Reef Alliance, Rutgers University, the University of Washington and other institutions.
The recent study, published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, finds that coral reefs can evolve and adapt to the effects of climate change—but only if we protect a sufficient diversity of coral reefs, particularly when it comes to temperatures. 

Congratulations to José Guzman, Mikelle Nuwer, and Aina Hori who were recognized by the UW College of the Environment for Exceptional Mentoring of Undergraduates, Outstanding Teaching Faculty, and Undergraduate Dean’s Medalist, respectively

Parasites play an outsize role in balancing ecosystems, and some species may be in danger. Read the article from Scientific American featuring SAFS’ Chelsea Wood who teaches Parasite Ecology (FISH 406) and Fisheries Ecology (FISH 312)

Marine Geoscience Education, Oceanographic Discovery, Undergraduate Collaboration (GEODUC) is a new and unique offering from the UW College of the Environment. GEODUC is a two-week immersive experience for incoming transfer students on board our research vessel and at our marine field facilities. Students will receive hands-on training and create an independent research project to answer their own questions. All expenses are covered. In addition, students will receive a stipend of $1,400.