Through funding provided by the Oceankind Foundation, the Marine Landscape Ecology Lab supports the paid participation of one undergraduate intern each summer. The intern will support projects focused on the mapping of sea lion communities in California, and rocky intertidal communities in British Columbia, California, and Washington. A $6,000 stipend is provided as part of the student’s participation.
Requirements:
Be a University of Washington undergraduate student enrolled in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) degree program. Examples of eligible degree programs include, but are not limited to, Aquatic and Fishery Science, Biology, Computer Science, Marine Biology, and Oceanography.
Have course and/or work-related experience with R, GIS, and data management.
Have a valid passport and be eligible for entry into Canada.
Have the capacity to attain an FAA part 107 commercial drone pilot license prior to summer 2025.
Have availability from June-August 2025.
Applications should include a no more than 2-page statement of interest, 2-page CV and unofficial copies of transcripts. Applications and questions can be sent to marlel@uw.edu.
Reducing Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) bycatch in the Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) bottom trawl fishery
We are looking to hire a junior or senior undergraduate student to assist in the development of a Bycatch Reduction Performance Indicator (BPI) as part of a NOAA-sponsored halibut bycatch reduction device (BRD) project. The student will conduct/assist in up to three tasks: literature review, BPI development, and BRD scoring.
Background
A BPI will be developed to evaluate and compare BRDs previously tested and/or used in the Bering Sea Pacific cod trawl fishery. Indicators are used to convert both qualitative and quantitative data into a summary metric that can be used to guide decision-making in the application of BRDs. The approach proposed in this project is new for assessing BRDs but there is precedent for the development and application of indicator assessment tools. Indicators have also been developed for other fisheries-related issues including overfishing, spatial fisheries management, and comparison of management strategies.
Results of the assessment will enable us to evaluate the efficacy of BRDs that could be used in the Pacific cod trawl fishery and those that warrant further evaluation at early (e.g., design), mid (e.g., testing at a flume tank), or later (e.g., field trials) stages of development and implementation. This analysis will demonstrate how a BPI can be used to evaluate BRDs and identify the most important BRD attributes for considerations in adoption within the cod fishery.
Required Skills
Familiarity with literature searches using scientific search engines and bibliographic
databases
Familiarity with Excell spreadsheets
Course background in fish biology and/or behavior
Organized with great attention to detail
Position Details
Time commitment: 10 – 15 hours per week
Wage: $21.57 per hour
Appointment duration: Winter and Spring Quarters 2025
To Apply
Please send Dr. John Horne (jhorne@uw.edu) an electronic package containing a letter of interest, unofficial transcript, and a CV/resume that indicates relevant experience.
Packages received on or before January 31, 2025 will receive full consideration.
Preparing a diverse group of first-year college students for the NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship is the Hollings Preparation Program (HPP) Internship, which includes a six-week paid research experience with one of NOAA’s many divisions. For Dash Dicksion, a SAFS undergrad now in his sophomore year, he got to return to his home island of Oahu during his HPP internship in the summer of 2024, working with the Ecosystem Sciences Division of NOAA’s Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center. “I was born and raised on Oahu, where I grew up fishing and diving. I left Hawaiʻi for UW to pursue a top-notch education in a field I’ve been passionate about since childhood, but I still have deep ties to the place I call home,” Dash said. “I was excited to take this opportunity to return to my roots over summer and apply some of what I’ve learned on the mainland to real-word research!”
Dash Dicksion
Acanthuridae (unicornfish/surgeonfish) larvae under microscope.
Learning about the HPP internship through an information session held at SAFS and referrals from previous academic mentors, Dash jumped at the chance to apply: “I saw this as an awesome opportunity to get an early jump into my desired career path and spend a summer learning from the best!” Based in Honolulu, Hawai’i, the State’s capital city, Dash’s internship focused on the biocultural and ecological aspects of fish larvae across Hawai’i Pae ‘Aina (the Hawaiian archipelago). “I worked under the guidance of an awesome team of mentors, and spent a lot of my time looking for, counting, and measuring fish larvae of interest under a microscope from preserved plankton sampled during previous research cruises,” Dash said.
During the lab portion of his internship, Dash also worked with data analysis and species distribution modeling in R, examining possible variable associations. “Interwoven with Western science work was input from native Hawaiian cultural practitioners and research into the traditional significance of fish species I was working with, their names, and the places where they come from”, Dash said. “I got to use that research to assist in developing nomenclature for larval fish in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language). It was really awesome to see Hawaiian culture being appreciated and incorporated into modern research and discovery!”
Dash Dicksion
Funny picture of cowfish.
Not only did Dash get to experience what day-to-day lab research consists of, he also spent 30 days at sea on board the Oscar Elton Sette, a 224ft research vessel named after the first director of the Honolulu Laboratory at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (now the NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center). “I was afforded the very rare opportunity to join my mentor as part of a two-person science team sampling the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument,” Dash shared. This World Heritage site encompasses 583,000 square miles of ocean and is the largest marine conservation area in the world. “My mentor and I “piggybacked” with the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program (NCRMP) divers to sample for larvae using Isaac-Kidd midwater trawls on the night shift. We aimed for five hour-long tows per night, working from offshore to as close as we could to each island within the monument,” Dash said.
Morning preparation of dive boats from the top deck of Sette. (Credit: Ray Boland)
A view of the sunrise from the Sette. (Credit: Ray Boland)
In between the different stations visited for research, Dash and his mentor would do a quick sort of organisms that were visible to the naked eye, preserving the rest in jars of ethanol for sorting later on under the microscope. “Before and after every night of work, we would perform an oli, or chant to ask permission for sampling. Papahanaumokuākea is an especially sacred location in Hawaiian culture, and so it was crucial that we honored tradition when conducting our research.”
Click the photos to enlarge
Taking tissue sample from marlin under scope for genetic identification.
Top view of marlin larvae under scope (skull “horns” in early stages.
Preflexion and post-flexion tuna larvae.
Lab work sorting tuna larvae.
Dash Dicksion
Steak and lobster dinner (for breakfast) on the cruise!
During transit days, activities including looking through photos, presenting research, watching preseason college football and fishing when 50 miles offshore of the monument. “I even got to dive at one point during the cruise, and it was amazing to see the range of life in the monument compared with what I was used to seeing in the main islands,” Dash said. As his first research cruise, Dash’s 30-day experience in the middle of the ocean was a unique one. “The constant movement takes a little for your body to get used to, but I was lucky I didn’t get seasick during the cruise,” Dash said. “The food was super good, the ship chefs are super talented and keep everyone well-fed for daily ops.” Compliments to the chef!
Aspiring to be a Fisheries Biologist or Management Specialist in the future, Dash described the internship as one which reaffirmed his desire to work in the world of fisheries sciences and management. “I would hope to eventually continue research on migratory pelagic predators like tuna and billfish, which especially piqued my curiosity during this project,” Dash said. Building on the foundational courses learned at SAFS was also a useful part of the HPP internship experience. “I’m glad for the exposure to a range of disciplines in the field of fisheries and marine science while studying at SAFS, and I intend to apply for more internship programs with NOAA as I continue my education,” he added.
“I would like to extend a huge mahalo to my mentors Justin Suca, Kanoe Morishige, Andrea Schmidt, Don Kobayashi, and Hauʻoli Lorenzo Elarco for their guidance and patience, as well as to everyone onboard the Sette during my first research cruise for making it a truly amazing experience!”
The Wood Lab at the University of Washington seeks to hire three undergraduates for a 9-week Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) internship to take place between June and August of 2025. We anticipate hiring one undergraduate from the University of Washington and two who attend other universities. The position is supported by a CAREER award from the National Science Foundation for a project entitled, “Reconstructing parasite abundance in river ecosystems over the past half century.” The students hired into this position will have the opportunity to be at the forefront of a new sub-discipline: the historical ecology of parasitism.
Each student will:
Conduct lab work as part of a large team (i.e., parasitological dissections conducted at the University of New Mexico’s Museum of Southwestern Biology in Albuquerque, New Mexico)
Learn about aquatic ecosystems of the US Southwest region through two field trips
Conduct an independent research project under the supervision of multiple research mentors
Collaborate with an international group of senior parasite ecologists and ichthyologists
Engage with local elementary-level STEM learners through a program designed to bring parasite biodiversity learning modules into Albuquerque-area schools
Be among the first to publish using a novel, powerful tool for understanding why and how parasite communities shift in response to global change
The ideal candidate will:
be enrolled as an undergraduate at the University of Washington or another US university
have taken courses in ecology
be interested in the field of ecology and in conducting scientific research
demonstrate curiosity
adopt a rigorous and scholarly approach to science, with evidence of this from previous coursework
be a respectful, professional, and generous team player
have a positive attitude in the face of obstacles or setbacks
have excellent time management skills; accomplish goals by creating realistic but ambitious plans and initiating open communication when plans need to be adjusted
have the willingness and the courage to discuss issues openly (i.e., to give and receive feedback, to celebrate successes, and to discuss ways to overcome challenges)
Bonus points for folks who have taken courses in statistics or parasitology (although these are by no means required).
Note that no previous research experience is required!
We are hiring on the basis of potential, not necessarily experience. We are especially interested in students who have had to overcome obstacles to pursue their professional goals. We encourage applications from individuals who are members of groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences, including students who are persons of color, female, first-generation college students, veterans, LGBTQIA, and students with disabilities. We welcome applicants of any race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.
Eligibility restrictions:
You may not be enrolled in online classes during the course of your internship, so please do not apply if you are planning to be enrolled in any online course between 15 June and 16 August 2025.
You must be available for the entire duration of this internship in order to be eligible, so please do not apply if you have other commitments between 15 June and 16 August 2025.
Each intern will receive:
Round-trip travel to Albuquerque, NM (if not already located in the area)
A stipend of $7,000 (one half to be paid at the beginning of the internship, one half to be paid at the halfway point)
Free lodging in Albuquerque for the period of the internship (15 June through 16 August 2025)
Free meals for the period of the internship (15 June through 16 August 2025)
Support to attend a scientific conference, where each intern will present results from their independent research project after the internship concludes
To apply for this position, please reach out to Dr. Chelsea Wood at chelwood@uw.edu. In your e-mail, please include:
a letter of intent, including:
at least one paragraph on your professional goals and interests
at least one paragraph on why you are a good candidate for this position
name, phone number, and e-mail address for at least two individuals who can comment on your qualifications
a CV or resume
a transcript (unofficial transcript is fine)
From the individuals who reach out using the approach above, Dr. Wood will select a subset of candidates to move on to the next stage of consideration, which will be an interview (in person for UW applicants, via Zoom for other applicants). For full consideration, please submit your application before Friday, 21 February.
Pacific Hybreed, Inc. (www.pacifichybreed.com) is revolutionizing shellfish aquaculture through an innovative genetic breeding program. By integrating genetic research with environmental field data, we increase yield and resilience of Pacific oysters and Manila clams against the challenges of climate change and emerging diseases.
Pacific Hybreed operates hatcheries at NOAA Manchester Research Station in Port Orchard, WA and the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaiian Authority (NELHA) in Kona, HI. We are seeking a technician to fill a critical position responsible for hatchery operations and projects focused on microalgae and shellfish breeding and production.
Compensation and Benefits:
$22-$25/h
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision
Paid time off is accrued at 2 hours per 40 hours worked; equals 13 days annually based on average of 40 hours per week
Position requires some evening and weekend shifts
Job Description:
Performance of day-to-day operations including:
Upkeep of filtration and water delivery systems.
Transfer and sterile inoculation of multiple microalgal species from scale of small jugs to carboys and larger systems; record keeping using particle-counter.
Husbandry of shellfish (larval and seed stages): water changes, feeding, size-grading, microscopy imaging and counting.
Support field work operations through gear maintenance and data collection.
Assistance in experimental research: measurements of survival and growth of species and organized detailed record-keeping in spreadsheets, drives, and ImageJ.
Routine maintenance of chemical solutions following standard operating procedures.
Basic plumbing, screen-making, and pvc projects.
Maintain daily and long-term records of temperature, pH, chlorophyll.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with algae, larval culturing, or microbiology.
Experience maintaining sterile cultures: proper use of flame, ethanol, bleach, and acid cleaning techniques.
Basic skills and safety with tools, chemicals, plumbing, electricity, and construction.
Confidence with arithmetic and Microsoft Excel.
Able to lift 50lbs, repeatedly at times.
Work independently and proactively.
Strong communication, time management, and organizational skills.
Troubleshooting and on-the-spot problem solving.
Interest to learn scientific and technical info relevant to shellfish breeding and genetics.
How to Apply:
Please send your resume and an email introducing yourself to Olivia Carlson, Hatchery Manager: olivia@pacifichybreed.com
From Julie Barber, Senior Shellfish Biologist – Swinomish Indian Tribal Community: Swinomish Fisheries is excited to announce that we are looking for an individual to fill a new, full-time, lead scientist position. The Quantitative Fisheries Biologist will report directly to Tandy Wilbur, the Fisheries Manager for the Tribe, but the individual will work very closely with our Shellfish Team.
This job will have numerous, diverse, duties but the three primary duties are:
Lead biometrician for the Shellfish Team. This individual will lead or assist, depending on the project, with modeling Dungeness crab populations, investigating catch accounting, analyzing ecological data related to Olympia oysters, intertidal clams, water properties, and more. See this webpage to get an idea of the work we do.
Lead shrimp biologist. This individual will need to determine data gaps (there are a ton), design, and execute shrimp studies to help us move toward more science-based decisions for the management of the fishery. Swinomish Fisheries expects publication of these efforts.
Lead urchin and sea cucumber biologist and manager. This individual will oversee management and field work related to these fisheries. While not a requirement to apply, being a scientific diver with cold water experience is preferred.
Full job description and Swinomish application can be found here:
A few notes – this is a not a grant-funded position, which is exciting! Also, Swinomish offers a fantastic benefits package including health, vision, dental, retirement, and more. Salary range starts at 75K. Initial review closes on 1/19/2025 and then the job will remain open until filled (HR automatically sets the initial closure date, we have no say over that). Advanced degrees, even PhDs, are encouraged to apply.
Finally, this individual does not need to have experience working with shellfish. If an interested applicant has worked, say, modeling salmon populations and wants to switch to invertebrate fisheries, which are in dire need of attention in this state (and bring in more money than salmon), we would happily consider this applicant. We really need someone who is a strong biometrician with an interest in sustainable shellfisheries. Being able to work independently with very little oversight is a must, but we are also a team that enjoys working together on answering tough questions.
If someone is interested in the job, please encourage them to cc me (jbarber@swinomish.nsn.us) when sending their application to HR.
Applications are now open for the 2025 Undergraduate Research Symposium at the University of Washington. Open to undergrad researchers wanting to share and celebrate their research and creative works! Apply with a project title and statement, collaborate with your mentors and group members to see yourself on May 16, 2025.
Ecosystem restoration has historically had a very ecological focus with goals of improving different ecological metrics such as percentage of vegetation cover, presence of fish and other species, ecological functioning, and more. However, while teaching a special interdisciplinary class during her time as a postdoc and co-PI at Duke University, SAFS Assistant Professor, Carter Smith, took a slightly different view: how can ecosystem restoration be used to directly improve human wellbeing?
Carter Smith, SAFS Assistant Professor
Recently published in January 2025 in PNAS, this concept is outlined in a new paper that explores how ecosystem restoration can make individuals and communities more resilient through enhancing optimism, making people more connected to their environment, and making people more socially connected. “The original goal of the project was to understand interdisciplinary resilience concepts and how they apply to ecosystem restoration,” Carter said. “As part of our deep dive into the literature, we realized that a lot of people were talking about resilience in restoration focused on ecological or disaster resilience, but there was a real knowledge gap in understanding how restoration can impact social and psychological wellbeing of people.”
The study sets out these three individual and community-level strengths that the team of researchers thought could be enhanced through restoration. Bringing together scientists, faculty and students from Duke University, University of Adelaide, North Carolina State University and NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science – as part of Duke’s Bass Connections program – the team compiled information about promising community-engaged restoration projects from around the world, and some recommendations for how restoration can be conducted to improve psychosocial resilience through this lens. “Examples of community-based restoration exist on a vast scale, from engaging diverse stakeholders at the initial goal-setting stage of a project to build trust, all the way to biocultural restoration projects that include community workdays and shared meals as a way to build relationships and learn about traditional cultures”, Carter shared.
Conceptual diagram showing the idealized role of restoration as a resilience-building endeavor in a social-ecological system.
So what are some of the actionable ways to enhance psychosocial resilience through ecosystem restoration? The answer could be to just bring people into the process wherever and however possible and moving restoration projects from largely technical endeavors to ones which account for human-nature relationships. “Directly engaging community members in the restoration process to assist with planning or implementation, or indirectly by facilitating access to natural areas and creating a place where people can do the activities in nature that they value are some of the ways to do this,” Carter shared. Embedding community spaces around or within restoration projects, such as boardwalks, beach parks, or community centers, are some examples of this.
But caution was advised about further eroding human relationships with the natural world through the technologization of restoration. “There is a huge emphasis in restoration right now on upscaling and technologizing the restoration process – and this will likely be very important for meeting some restoration goals – but we shouldn’t lose sight of the value of community-engaged projects,” Carter said.
Many of us have experienced the benefits of being outside in nature, and it’s a well-studied area in relation to psychological and physical benefits, from reducing anxiety and cardiovascular disease, to helping your nightly slumber. And this is a great place for many people to start. “Getting involved in restoration can be really small and as simple as joining beach cleanups and planting native plants in your backyard,” Carter said.
In a time of general climate pessimism, celebrating success stories is a way to combat climate despair. “A healthy amount of doom and gloom is needed right now to acknowledge the magnitude of the problem we’re facing, but I would encourage people to see hope in the successful restoration stories we’re seeing from across the globe,” Carter added. “I draw a lot of hope and inspiration from learning about biocultural restoration projects that incorporate traditional ecological knowledge, from large-scale seagrass restoration in the Chesapeake Bay, oyster restoration in parts of Australia where oysters were functionally extinct, and from numerous reforestation projects globally.”
