The Salish Sea Institute – sharing knowledge across disciplines and borders
Western Washington University created the Salish Sea Institute (SSI) to raise awareness and protection for the Salish Sea. We work to share knowledge across disciplines and borders, understanding that transboundary and transdisciplinary collaboration is essential for good conservation of this diverse region. SSI created the Salish Sea Studies minor to teach students about the Salish Sea’s history, ecology, culture and management complexities. We also convene workshops and webinars, support researchers, scholars, journalists and more through our fellowship program, and produce reports to share science and management strategies among the community of people on and off campus who work to protect the Salish Sea. This talk will introduce you to the Salish Sea Institute, the work we are doing, and discuss the importance of a transboundary perspective on the conservation of the Salish Sea.
About the Speaker
Dr. Cindy Elliser is the Associate Director of the Salish Sea Institute and a marine mammalogist and educator based out of Anacortes, WA. Cindy got her PhD in Integrative Biology from Florida Atlantic University where she studied the social structure of dolphins in the Bahamas. Upon moving to the Pacific Northwest, Cindy founded and is the Research Director of Pacific Mammal Research, a scientific non-profit organization that researches harbor porpoises and harbor seals, and educates the public about marine mammals in the Salish Sea. She was an Associate Professor at Skagit Valley College, and currently teaches marine mammal related courses and is the Academic Program Director of the Salish Sea Studies minor at Western Washington University. Cindy has over 20 year’s experience in marine mammal research and biology education and enjoys engaging with people and science throughout the Salish Sea region.
Environmental Speaker Series
The Environmental Speaker Series is hosted by the College of the Environment at Western Washington University.
The Series is free and open to the public. Talks are held each Thursday at 4:30 pm in Academic Instructional Center West room 204 - AW-204. Talks will also be streamed via Zoom. Register with The Foundation for WWU & Alumni for the zoom link. Parking is available in lot C.