School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences

We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 SAFS DEIJ and Community Service Recognition Award: Julia Indivero and Claire Vaage.

Julia Indivero (PhD)

Julia was nominated for contribution to this year’s DEIJ activities and her attention to fellow graduate student’s concerns and needs. As a member of the SAFS DEI Committee, she led the third annual Undergraduate Community Building Event, which created a space for undergraduate students in aquatic sciences to meet with graduate students and postdocs in SAFS. As one of the FINS treasurers, she ensures funds for research communication and conference attendance are distributed to students in an equitable manner. Additionally, she frequently takes initiative in participating in department events, encouraging other students along the way and fostering a sense of community. Beyond SAFS, Julia is also an active committee member for UW’s Sustainability Fund, whose mission is to create an environmentally and socially engaged campus by funding student led projects.

Claire Vaage (MS)

Claire was also nominated for her leadership and demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion for students at every level. As the FINS Social Chair, she has created many quarterly events that are accessible and reproducible for years to come. She has also been instrumental in reigniting the Student Chapter of the American Fisheries Society here at UW, and through this renewed student chapter, she has facilitated educational workshops for professional development. Her support of undergraduate students also includes empowering them to participate in regional AFS meetings and volunteering for events like the Hollings Scholar Workshops. Beyond SAFS, Claire’s position on the SEAS board has allowed her to work with fellow students on improving, creating, and sharing lesson plans for students in the Seattle area who have been historically excluded from STEM fields.

The work that these awardees have done increases access, equity, and inclusion in aquatic sciences by giving opportunities, resources, and mentorship to students who may not have it. We are delighted to honor Julia and Claire for their hard work and dedication to making SAFS a more equitable and inclusive institution. The DEI Committee would also like to thank everyone who has contributed excellent and important work to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice at SAFS.