Graduate Student Photos

Degree Pursuing: MS, Environmental Science – Marine and Estuarine Science 

Faculty Advisors: Dr. Kathryn Sobocinski and Dr. Aquila Flower 

Undergraduate Degree: WWU, B.S Environmental Science – Freshwater and Terrestrial Ecology 

Research Interest: My interests are in studying habitat changes and impacts on native and invasive species, adaptations of species to a changing environment, ecosystem modeling, as well as utilizing GIS to analyze both large- and small-scale environmental topics such as species recovery and reintroduction. My research project will be assessing habitat change with respect to juvenile salmon within the Whidbey basin using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The goal of this project is to examine the effectiveness of habitat restoration within estuaries and river deltas of the Whidbey basin, specifically focusing on the improvement of critical habitat for juvenile Chinook salmon through habitat restoration projects over the last 25 years. 

About Me/Hobbies: I am very excited to return to Western to complete my graduate degree, and to help further my experiences studying and working within the Salish Sea region. I can’t wait to explore the intersection of fish ecology and GIS, and to help assist in the understanding of how to preserve our state’s salmon stocks for future generations. Outside of school I’m often spending time with friends and family, reading, exploring new topics like paleontology, or hanging out in the outdoors. 

Degree Pursuing: M.A. in Environmental Studies

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Gigi Berardi

Undergraduate Degree: University of California Santa Cruz, B.S. in Geology

Research interests: In broad terms, I am academically interested in sustainable food systems, agroecology, and land use. The way we grow, produce, and distribute our food has an enormous impact on our environment and personal health. I am interested in studying how agricultural practices contribute to or mitigate the effects of climate change, affect food resilience, and provide nutritious food for a growing population.

About me / Hobbies: I completed my undergraduate degree in 2015 and am now excited to start a new chapter by returning to graduate school. I moved to Bellingham in the summer of 2020 with my wife. We chose Bellingham primarily for the amazing access to world-class outdoor recreation. I spend much of my free time mountain biking, hiking, running, paddling, and growing food in my newly planted home garden. I have two border collies, ages 4 months and 2 years, and I started doing agility competitions with my older dog this summer, which has quickly become my newest passion.

Degree Pursuing: MA, Environmental Studies (Policy)

Faculty Advisor: Dr Xi Wang

Undergraduate Degree: Undergraduate Degree (Degree and College): University of Puget Sound, International Political Economy with a Minor in Environmental Policy

Research Interest: My research interests lie at the intersection of community engagement and policy, especially related to climate change. I have seen that people want to engage in climate and environmental issues but often don’t know how or feel disempowered, and so there is a need for clearer pathways for policy engagement. I am also interested in best practices related to ensuring policies and plans are informed by those at the community level for the most impactful policy outcomes.

About/Hobbies: I love being outside and in community. Some hobbies are running, paddling, fishing, snowboarding, camping, reading, and spending time in good company.

Degree Pursuing: M.A. in Environmental Studies

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Aquila Flower

Undergraduate Degree: B.A. in Political Science (Western Washington University, 2018)

Research Interests: I’m interested in large-scale ecosystem dynamics, particularly in montane forests and coastal marine environments. I’m particularly interested in how organisms respond to rapid changes in climate, how climate change could lead to the development of no-analog climates and the effect that will have on montane and marine ecosystems, and how shared ecosystems are managed across international and interstate boundaries.

About Me: I’ve traveled across the U.S. more times than I’d be able to count, but I’ve always thought of the Northwest – and particularly western Washington along the I-5 corridor – as my home. The geography of the region is fascinating and beautiful; and in many ways, comforting to me as well. I feel at home surrounded by mountains, evergreen trees, and the ocean. I enjoy writing, playing guitar, and playing RPGs (both in video game form and TTRPGs like D&D.)

Degree Pursuing: M.A. in Environmental Studies

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Grace Wang

Undergraduate Degrees: B.S. in Environmental Science, B.A. in Political Science (WSU)

Research Interest: As someone interested in human-environment dimensions, I believe ecological problems do not operate in a social vacuum. To achieve lasting and positive environmental change, we must embrace increased collaboration with policymakers, stakeholders, and the community at large. My undergraduate research at Washington State University (WSU) explored the importance of environmental storytelling in science communication, and its implications for community education. Through this experience, I discovered the ever-prevalent importance of increasing science accessibility for non-academic audiences via narrative storytelling. At WWU, I am thrilled to continue this research in science communication and community outreach.

About/Hobbies: When I’m not studying, I enjoy getting coffee with friends, working out, and spending time with my partner. In particular, I love boxing, gardening, and catching up on my favorite TV/movies. I also enjoy being involved with various leadership organizations in my community, and look forward to the many opportunities available in Bellingham.

Degree Pursuing: MS, Environmental Science, Marine and Estuarine Science

Faculty Advisor: Dr Kathryn Sobocinski

Undergraduate degree: BS, Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington

Research Interest: My research interest focuses on salmonid food-web ecology and survival in marine and freshwater environments. More specifically, I’m interested in how growth in juvenile anadromous salmon influence their odds of surviving and returning to their natal streams to reproduce. Identifying these ecological bottlenecks is necessary for making informed management and restoration decisions.

About me/hobbies: I moved to Washington in 2014 to attend the University of Washington and became completely enamored by the Pacific Northwest. My time in UW’s Aquatic and Fishery Sciences program sparked my interest in Pacific Salmon and their role in our ecosystems. I am eager to spend time in the Bellingham area and learn more about its ecology and culture. Some of my hobbies include videogames, model building, paddleboarding, and most recently DJing.

Degree Pursing: MA, Environmental Studies with a focus in Environmental Policy.

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Steve Hollenhorst.

Undergrad Degree: I received my Bachelor of Arts in Physics at Ohio Wesleyan University. (It’s

a tiny liberal arts school north of Columbus, Ohio.)

Research Interests:

I am interested in the intersection between city planning, renewable energy, and politics. While pursuing my degree, I plan to research methods by which the transition to 100% renewable energy can be accelerated through policy that accounts for renewable energy industry issues such as supply-demand imbalance, as well as the needs of local communities.

Hobbies/About Me:

I chose to move from Ohio, to Bellingham, for Western Washington University’s varied and unique collection of upper level environmental classes. The interdisciplinary nature of the Environmental Studies Master’s program was also a strong draw for me, because my interests don’t align exactly with traditional program guidelines.

Because I spent the last few years living in a big city, Columbus, I’m excited to take advantage of all the amazing nature Bellingham has to offer. In addition to exploring nature, some of my favorite activities include reading (mostly science fiction or fantasy), and making art.

Degree Pursuing: MS, Environmental Sciences (Marine and Estuarine Science)

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Sam Kastner

Undergraduate Degree: WWU, B.S. in Marine and Coastal Science

Research Interest: Throughout my undergraduate degree, I realized that I wanted to pursue research that lies at the nexus of marine science, sustainability, and social justice. I was so excited when I realized that my master’s project will fulfill that wish. I will be working with my advisor, Dr. Sam Kastner, as well as Dr. Marco Hatch and the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community to assess the state of their new clam garden. Clam gardens are an ancestral practice of many indigenous peoples in the Pacific Northwest. They are used to increase the yield of shellfish collection in order to feed community members. My project will focus on assessing water movement and properties within the clam garden to aid the Swinomish in their pursuit of a scientific understanding of the garden. The work will also include education to the public about this ancestral practice and how oceanographic work can tie in to social and sustainable issues.  

About/Hobbies: I chose Western Washington University's master’s program in Marine and Estuarine Science because of the amazing project I will be pursuing. Having completed my undergraduate degree at Western, I am so happy I will have the ability to continue my education while also giving back to local communities. I grew up in Seattle, so most of my hobbies consist of different ways to enjoy the beauty of this region. They include skiing, biking, hiking, and more recently wing foiling. Besides outdoor recreation, I like to cook, read, and paint.

Degree Pursuing: Masters in Environmental Studies-GIS Focus

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Michael Medler

Undergraduate Degree: Horticulture

Research Interests: The application of Geospatial Information Systems to natural disaster risk mitigation and wildland fire prevention and mapping.

About: I’ve been a jack-of-all trades throughout my life; working as a farm hand, carpenter, soil scientist, arborist, emergency manager, and most recently as a wildland firefighter for the US Forest Service and the National Park Service. I’ve had an amateur boxing and Thai boxing career, and lived in several South American countries. I’ve been a fortunate soul to travel and adventure widely and learn deeply from a plethora of incredible individuals. I always enjoy a strong challenge and quality discourse with other curiously-minded people.

Hobbies: I’m an avid competitor and student of Brazilian Jiujitsu and Folkstyle wrestling. I am also a long-term practitioner of Vipassana Meditation and consider my practice integral to the quality of my life. I enjoy spending my free time weightlifting with my wife, reading political and social history books, and listening to podcasts or audiobooks.

Degree Pursuing: MS, Environmental Sciences

Faculty Advisor: Dr Charles Barnhart

Undergraduate Degree: WWU B.S. in Energy Science & Technology

Research Interest: I will be applying my background in energy science to the broader systems of indoor and outdoor agriculture the with a life cycle assessment of regional cannabis cultivation carbon intensities as a long-term objective. The industry has a broad range of standard practices, which I hope to clarify with my energy/environmental assessment.

About/Hobbies: My time with the Institute for Energy Studies here at WWU was formative and provided me many opportunities, the relationships I have with my peers have inspired me to carry on here in Bellingham, I’m deeply excited to be broadening my scope to Environmental Science.

I find myself most often crafting with my partner or outside with friends. I’ve recently been working on miniature dioramas of various themes, which I hope will roll into some architectural model creations.

Degree Pursuing: MS, Environmental Science 

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Angela Strecker 

Education: Virginia Tech, B.S. Fish and Wildlife Conservation 

Research Interests: During my time at Virginia Tech, I worked on projects studying the effects of coal mining contaminants on freshwater mussels, the distribution of the threatened bog turtle, community and behavioral ecology of bluehead chubs and their nesting associates, and the long-term changes in the fish community in Blacksburg’s local streams. I have worked for trout unlimited studying how native trout populations respond to habitat enhancement projects, and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Aquatic Assessment Crew studying fish, toad, and snake populations across Wyoming. Most recently I spent time working for the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s Watershed Assessment Branch. I am motivated by learning about how environmental changes, anthropogenic or otherwise affect aquatic environments and their biotic communities. I hope to continue to utilize my skills to study our aquatic ecosystems so that we may better understand and manage our freshwater resources. 

At WWU I will be working in the Strecker lab examining spatial and temporal trends in macroinvertebrate communities and water quality in aquatic ecosystems in the North Coast and Cascades Network, including mountain lakes and streams in North Cascades, Mount Rainier, and Olympic National Park. 

About/hobbies: I love being outside and spend my time running in the woods, biking, kayaking and snorkeling. I also enjoy learning about the natural world, playing guitar, and reading a good book. I am excited to explore Bellingham and the surrounding area! 

Degree Pursuing: MS, Environmental Science

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Alia Khan

Undergraduate Degree: BS in Geophysics, Western Washington University

Research Interest: My research interests are broad, but all relate to the effects of climate change and feedback processes in the cryosphere. This includes reduction in snow cover, changes in snow albedo, mass loss from ice sheets and glaciers, and glacial hydrology. Polar landscapes have always magnetized me, and this has steered my educational path. I am honored to return to WWU to work under Dr. Alia Khan on her snow algae and albedo research.

Degree Pursuing: MS, Environmental Science

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Brooke Love

Undergraduate Degree: BS in Environmental Science, Geology Major, WWU

Research Interest: My research interest is in the effect climate change and water quality has on wildlife. I am working with Brooke Love on a project about herring adaptability to current climate change trends. I am also in the GIS Masters Certificate program, and plan on continuing GIS work after graduation.

Degree Pursuing: MA, Environmental Studies

Faculty Advisor: Dr. David Rossiter

Undergraduate Degree: BA Environmental Studies and BA English Creative Writing from Seattle University

Research Interest: I am interested in how we talk about and make sense of the environment, particularly how people use stories to understand the large and hard-to-grasp realities of climate change and environmental damage. I hope to explore what strategies work when discussing environmental topics, and how we might apply those strategies to new mediums to encourage increased levels of positive environmental action. I am also interested in continuing to explore topics ranging from place-based education to solarpunk literature to mycology.

Degree Pursuing: MA, Environmental Studies - Geography

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Andy Bach

Undergraduate Degree: WWU B.S. in Environmental Science - Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecology; B.A. Geography; Geographic Information Science Certification; & Mountain Research Skills Certification

Research Interest: My research will focus on mapping glacial moraines deposited during the Little Ice Age in the Mt. Baker area. I have performed my own research in Huascaran National Park in the Peruvian Andes, studying environmental factors related to the parasitic fungi, Leptosphaeria polylepidis, and its impact on Polylepis groves. I have also performed research on fungi recolonization in the Elwha Restoration Ecosystem in the Olympic National Park.

About/Hobbies: Western Washington University's graduate program was perfect for me! With a passion for exploring all forms of topography and environments, WWU is situated in a location proximate to Mt. Baker, where I desired to perform research as well as providing access to the Puget Sound, Canada, and the wonders of the greater Bellingham area. As an avid hiker, backpacker, and mountaineer WWU was the best combination of recreational access and educational opportunity for me.

Degree Pursuing: MA, Environmental Studies

Faculty Advisor: Dr Kate Darby

Undergraduate Degree: B.A. in Anthropology and Ecological Ag, University of Vermont

Research Interest: Connection between Environmental Justice, climate change mitigation, and food access. As an undergraduate student I focused much of my studies and research on ecological agriculture and migrant justice while interning for Huertas, a non-profit organization that explored the impact of home gardens and the ways in which they exponentially increased access to fresh and culturally appropriate food for food insecure migrant farmworkers throughout rural Vermont. This experience taught me a tremendous amount about working with vulnerable populations and led me to my most recent position as Health Educator for Sea Mar Community Health Center here in Bellingham and then to pursue this master's degree with Western. For a research topic or thesis, I am most curious about government action and policy programs which aim to address issues surrounding Environmental Justice. I hope to use my experience working with Sea Mar to attempt to understand how we as social scientists can bridge this gap between funding, access and interest while also looking at the environmental impact that a healthier connection to fresh foods can have on the environment via supporting more diversified small farms and subsidized food education programs.

About/Hobbies: As someone who grew up in New York City, the beauty in and around Bellingham never ceases to amaze me. I am always impressed by the natural landscapes, the wildflowers and the beautiful creatures and critters all around. I am always trying to learn about the forests and rivers around me, and am usually running around outside, hiking, biking, surfing, climbing, snowboarding, or just sitting and watching in awe and trying to learn. I hope to keep growing more of my naturalist knowledge and skills and continue my passion for playing and protecting this area.

Degree Pursuing: Environmental Science MS

Advisor: Dr Aquila Flower

Undergraduate Degree: Environmental Science BS, GIS Certificate, College of the Environment

Research Interest: During my undergraduate study, I developed my skills as a Geographic Information Science expert and applied those skills to many basic ecological analyses. My goal with this program is to refine that skillet and knowledge in order to study the effects of Climate Change on certain high-profile species. In particular, my project concerns the historical current, and potential future ranges of the Western Spruce Budworm in response to rapidly changing climate variables.

About Me: I loved my time in undergrad at the WWU College of the Environment, and in particular the passion and camaraderie of the faculty. When I decided to pursue a master's degree, Western stood out as a place with a teaching environment where I could develop my skills and my passion at the same time, through the care and support of my past and future professors. And of course, I love and miss Bellingham dearly. I'm looking forward to returning both for my education, and to continue practicing my favorite hobbies, such as birding, photography, and climbing. No doubt you'll find me in the Arboretum all the time!

Degree Pursuing: MS, Environmental Science

Faculty Advisor: Dr. John Rybczyk

Undergraduate Degree: BS, Environmental Science, WSU-Pullman

Research Interest: I am interested in assisting restoration efforts, particularly for estuaries. I will be studying estuaries within Washington to determine the effectiveness of current restoration efforts. With time I hope to also help guide future efforts to further maximize the impact to the ecosystems.

About/Hobbies: I am from Eastern Washington and love going on hikes and spending time outdoors. I'm excited to get over to the west side of the state and have some lush forests to explore and some new organisms to identify along the way. I like to also spend my free time continually improving on my garden that I have curated for our local pollinators and birds.

Degree Pursuing: M.S. in Environmental Science (Energy-Environmental Systems) 

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Froylan Sifuentes

Undergraduate Degree: Arizona State University B.S. in Sustainability (Sustainable Energy, Materials, and Technology); Business and Landscape Studies Minors

Research Interests: My main research interests are related to improving the environmental performance of buildings and products using life cycle analysis (LCA). LCA is a tool for evaluating the environmental impacts of a product system from cradle (resource extraction) to grave (disposal). LCA results can be used to identify key areas for improvement, facilitate choices between alternatives, and inform decision-making. I am particularly interested in learning how circular economy principles can be applied during building construction and operation and empowering users to be responsible consumers. As an undergraduate, I devoted my independent studies to exploring how built and natural environments can enhance well-being.

About/Hobbies: Having grown up in the Baltimore-Washington area and witnessing rampant consumerism and sprawl, I quickly became passionate about creating a more sustainable world. I chose to attend the College of the Environment because of its reputation for preparing professionals through its curriculum, faculty, and research opportunities; and resonate with WWU's commitment to making a positive impact and values of sustainability, equity, and justice. I am also excited to live in Bellingham and explore the exquisite nature inside and outside of the city. In addition to nerding out, you can also find me cooking up a storm, chasing waterfalls, hiking mountains, or hanging out with my dog, Odie.

Degree Pursuing: MA, Environmental Studies

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Aquila Flower

Undergraduate Degree: BS, Environmental Science, University of Denver

Research Interest: My research interests are concentrated in climate science, with hopeful focus on community resilience, regenerative agriculture, or coastal food systems. I am particularly passionate about applying research-based data to meaningful community-driven solutions.

About/Hobbies: When not in school: I am a farmhand, freelance graphic designer, and backpacking instructor. I work in a lot of all-female outdoor contexts, love to grow and cook good food, and cannot emphasize enough the importance of swimming in nearly every body of water that I come across. I am unfortunately recovering from ACL surgery, but otherwise spend most my free time on my mountain bike, in a boat, or on trail with my pup (Appa).

Degree Pursuing: MA, Environmental Studies

Faculty Advisor: Dr Steve Hollenhorst

Undergraduate Degree: B.S. Biology, Westminster College, SLCUT

Research Interest: GIS and Environmental Impact Assessments to better understand ecosystems and our relationships with natural resources.

About/Hobbies: The past few years I have been dividing my time between working in a hospital laboratory during the pandemic, working toward a new career in conservation, and remodeling a home with my partner. I enjoy listening to music and learning Spanish on Duolingo to one day do some traveling.