Congratulations to the 2024 SAFS Faculty Merit Award winners
We’re happy to announce this year’s Faculty Merit Award winners, given annually to graduating students at all ranks in recognition of exceptional achievement and contributions to the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences. This is by far the most prestigious of the many awards conferred by the School to students, where the nominations come directly from SAFS faculty.
Bachelor of Science
Kat Rogers
Working on their capstone project involving the systematics and taxonomy of a genus of damselfishes from the Caribbean, Kat Rogers also spends a lot of time working in the UW Fish Collection. From data entry and specimen organization to participating in outreach events with the Burke Museum, Kat Rogers has been described by their award nominator as a “one-of-a-kind student, an academic superstar, and an absolute gem to have around SAFS”. We look forward to hearing all about their experience as a Fisheries Observer with NOAA this summer.
Master’s Program
Nicole Doran
Defending her master’s thesis in March 2024, Nicole Doran’s work was a novel avenue for graduate research in SAFS. Described as a rising leader and a creative, independent researcher, Nicole is also active in the wider SAFS community, authoring an Indigenous Terminology Guide and organizing a community building event for grads and undergrads to discuss research opportunities and mentoring relationships. Active in both the DEIJ space and the IBIS program, we’re excited to have Nicole continue her academic journey at SAFS with the start of her PhD studies this summer.
Jezella Peraza
Recognized as a contributor to the field of marine renewable energy, and having presented her project results at international conferences, Jezella Peraza has a strong quantitative background that continues to develop through her master’s work at SAFS. Active in the SAFS community, Jezella has been a representative on the Equity and Inclusion Committee, lead initiatives to provide peer mentoring for undergrads and grads and is an active participant in the CESL and Environmental BIPOC Affinity groups. We recognize Jezella’s academic growth and her efforts to advocate for greater STEM access for underrepresented groups at SAFS.
PhD Program
Jeremy Axworthy
Described as an exceptional student and researcher, Jeremy Axworthy has presented his research on microplastics and corals at national and international conferences, including winning Best Presentation award at the SAFS graduate symposium. Beyond research, he actively works in community building and outreach initiatives, from collaborating with schoolteachers on K-12 curriculum activities to inspiring underserved high school students to pursue marine conservation.
Marta Gomez-Buckley
Returning to academia after raising her daughter and working as a high school teacher, Marta Gomez-Buckley earned her master’s from SAFS and is now conducting her PhD research on the diversity and evolution of cryptobenthic fishes. Through this work, Marta has contributed to the UW Fish Collection with thousands of specimens that will be foundational for systematic research in the future. A vital member of the SAFS community, Marta is active in FINS, the Grad Student Symposium, DEI Committee, outreach events at SAFS and the Burke Museum, plus mentoring undergrads and leading the PAC-ISLEs America Samoa Study Abroad program.
Marie Zahn
Highly collaborative and involved in many interagency projects during her time at SAFS, Marie Zahn’s work is focused on oceanography, climate change, and ecology in high-latitude polar regions. Writing four peer-reviewed manuscripts with colleagues during four years of graduate school, Marie has been described by her mentor as having intellectual curiosity, productivity, perseverance and research aptitude. As well as her academic pursuits, Marie actively supports women and minority group in STEM initiatives, including through her work with SEAS.