Jonnel Deacon

Undergraduate Major/Institution

B.S. in Environmental Science, Western Washington University, 2012

Current Area of Study

M.S. in Environmental Science with an emphasis in freshwater ecology

About Me

Outside of school and work, I enjoy playing sports such as basketball and golf, or working on a car, something I began doing before I could even drive. My favorite hike in Bellingham is to the top of Oyster Dome on Chuckanut Drive. The climb isn’t too arduous, but the last couple of miles really push you. When you make it to the top, the views of the San Juan Islands are totally worth it!

Why I chose Western

I chose Western because I had the opportunity to design my own thesis research.

My favorite professor(s)

My favorite Huxley professor is Dr. Ruth Sofield. I had the opportunity to take a few of her courses as an undergrad and they ended up pointing me in my current direction as far as my schooling. Dr. Sofield really knows how to push great students to that next level.

My favorite Huxley class/internship/project

My favorite project that I have been involved in here at Western is the storm water sampling contract that the Institute for Watershed Studies has with the City of Bellingham. I have had the opportunity to guide all phases including planning, sampling, processing, and data management.

Career plans

I would really enjoy working where my ideas and way of thinking can make a difference. Working for the county during my undergrad at WWU and working on the contracts IWS has with the City of Bellingham has really opened my eyes to just how far your efforts can go. I also have a couple ideas of my own to improve a few processes!