Thesis

Working backwards: Using a molecular phylogeny to find informative morphology in the freshwater sculpin (Cottidae, Cottus spp.)

Species in the freshwater fish genus Cottus (sculpin) have always been hard to identify due to the similarities of identifying characters in the genus. The recent creation of a genetic family tree, or phylogeny, made it possible to determine the genetic relationship between several populations in western Washington. With this tree we were able to examine the morphology and identify characters that can distinguish the species in the sub-genus Cottopsis found in the Pacific Northwest , which is important because it allows us to identify all of the species in an ecosystem and assess the health of ecosystems along with the services they provide.

Adviser

Luke Tornabene and Katherine Maslenikov

What was your best memory while at SAFS?

Spending time outside to collect data for labs.

What was your favorite FISH class and why?

FISH 497 with José Guzmán and FISH 311 with Luke Tornabene. I really liked being hands on in FISH 497 developing experiments and applying the material learned in class directly to our experiment and lab. FISH 311 broadened my horizon of fish as a whole and an interest in studying taxonomy and what separates fish.

What is your go-to comfort food?

Teriyaki Chicken.

What kind of things do you like to do when you’re not being a SAFS student?

Outside of SAFS I enjoy spending time rock climbing, skiing, and hanging out with my friends.

Do you have any accomplishments and activities while at SAFS you would like to highlight?

Successfully clearing and staining sculpin for my project.

Who would you like to thank/recognize and why?

Luke Tornabene and Katherine Maslenikov for helping me with my Capstone while also supporting me through the journey of a Capstone. Also for providing me with many cool opportunities like the Gilbert Ichthyological Society to meet cool people and learn about fish, and Friday Harbor Labs to scan my own fish. Finally for teaching me many cool things like how to study morphology of sculpin, how to clear and stain fish, and how cool fish collections are.

My friends in and out of SAFS that took classes with me but also supported me throughout my time at SAFS and UW making it a great experience.

Thesis

Physiological markers associated with byssus attachment following environmental perturbations in marine mussels

I collected respirometry and thread strength data of two species of marine mussels that were put in conditions associated with climate change conditions. Study is to find which mussel is hardier in order to improve aquaculture efficiency in a changing climate.

Adviser

Steven Roberts and Matt George

What was your best memory while at SAFS?

My favorite memory during SAFS was volunteering for the NOSB annual ORCA bowl competition since I use to compete when I was in high school.

What was your favorite FISH class and why?

My favorite FISH class was invertebrate biology specifically taught by Professor Greg Jensen.

What is your go-to comfort food?

Pho.

Thesis

Effects of FW and OA Pre-Exposure on Pacific Oyster (Magallana Gigas) Response to Thermal Stress

I exposed Pacific oysters to both freshwater and ocean acidification conditions, followed by acute heat stress to examine the effects of the changing climate on the survival of ecologically and economically important species.

Adviser

Steven Roberts and Ariana Huffmyer.

What was your best memory while at SAFS?

I loved all of the labs! They are so interactive and it’s so amazing to be able to see how well the specimens have been preserved! I also loved the opportunity to see how research is conducted in the field, from boarding a research vessel, to doing transects at Alki beach!

What was your favorite FISH class and why?

FISH 497. In lab, we designed and conducted our own experiments exposing Hairy Shore Crabs to different environmental stressors. It was super insightful and also our group had a lot of fun!

What is your go-to comfort food?

Mac and Cheese.

What kind of things do you like to do when you’re not being a SAFS student?

I work at a coffee shop on the weekends, and I am also a member of a sorority on campus!

Who would you like to thank/recognize and why?

I would like to highlight the SAFS department faculty as a whole. Coming into this program, I have always felt so welcomed by the staff and fellow students and feel a sense of community, even at such a large school.

I would like to thank Michael Martínez, the SAFS advisor, for always being open for discussion, whether or not academic.

I would also like to thank Steven Roberts and Ariana Huffmyer for their guidance and support throughout my research for my Capstone.

Lastly, I want to thank my family and friends for continuously motivating me and providing me with everything I have needed throughout my years at UW!

Do you have a favorite quote/saying?

“Death is data” – José Guzmán

Jaqueline Padilla-Gamino

Thesis

Variation in Infection Prevalence and Intensity of Parasitic Nematodes in Three Species of Pacific Salmon

“Sushi worms” (Anisakids) are a well-known parasite infecting Pacific salmon and cause concern for human health, but most existing studies focus on Atlantic marine fishes. This study aimed to identify whether there were differences in the rates and intensities of these nematode infections between pink, sockeye, and chum from Alaska.

Adviser

Thomas Quinn

What was your best memory while at SAFS?

Our chapter of the American Fisheries Society at UW took a fly fishing and camping field trip–it was an amazing experience getting to spend time outdoors and exploring Washington’s streams with other aquatic ecologists.

What was your favorite FISH class and why?

It’s so hard to choose. Invertebrate biology (FISH 310) changed my whole perspective on all of the crawly creatures in tidepools and made me love invertebrates. Biology of fishes (FISH 311) taught me so much about fish evolution that comes in handy every day. And I *must* credit parasite ecology (FISH 406) for changing my whole perspective on ecology and inspiring my capstone. Though seeing salmonid behavior and ecology (FISH 450) in the course catalogue in high school was why I applied to UW in the first place and it was certainly worth the journey.

What kind of things do you like to do when you’re not being a SAFS student?

I love exploring the PNW, going on hikes, fishing, and visiting fish ladders and salmon hatcheries.

Who would you like to thank/recognize and why?

I want to thank Thomas Quinn for being such a kind and supportive advisor, and to the amazing people at Seafood Products Association for inspiring and supporting my research.

Thesis

Blue-green Public Spaces Provide Heatwave Refugia from Urban Heat Island Effects: Evidence from Mobile Cellular Data

A study investigating the link between heat waves and lake visitation in Western Washington.

Adviser

Julian Olden

What was your favorite FISH class and why?

Fish 311, Seeing fish up close, even preserved ones, can’t be beat.

What is your go-to comfort food?

Thai.

What kind of things do you like to do when you’re not being a SAFS student?

Hiking, and collecting signed books.

Who would you like to thank/recognize and why?

I would like to thank my family, friends, and partner for their bountiful support.

Thesis

Influences of ENSO Variability on the Spatiotemporal Distribution of Metacarcinus magister

My capstone looks into how variation seen in the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle is influencing our Dungeness crab populations along the U.S. West Coast. We used the combined data from NOAA’s West Coast Groundfish Bottom Trawl Survey with climate records to identify how changes in the amplitude and frequency of ENSO cycle phases are linked to shifts in the distribution and abundance of Dungeness crab. These findings aim to support sustainable fishery management in rapidly changing climate conditions.

Adviser

John Horne and John Harms.

What was your best memory while at SAFS?

Chaotic finals study sessions with friends in FISH 210 using the big whiteboard!

What was your favorite FISH class and why?

FISH 444 – Conservation Genetics with Professor Hauser was one of my favorite classes because of the hands on experience analyzing tissue samples, and connecting how our results could be used to advocate for new conservation policies!

What is your go-to comfort food?

Chocolates.

What kind of things do you like to do when you’re not being a SAFS student?

I cherish spending time with loved ones, and find joy in being outside and wandering around!

Do you have any accomplishments and activities while at SAFS you would like to highlight?

I had a blast and learned a great amount while interning with the Pacific Northwest Crab Research Group to monitor Dungeness Crab megalopae, and sampling with NOAA’s West Coast Groundfish Bottom Trawl Survey over my Summer quarters.

Who would you like to thank/recognize and why?

I’m deeply grateful to my SAFS advisor, Michael Martínez, for their encouragement and guidance over my past few years at UW, Professor John Horne for his generous support and advisement on my capstone, and to my loved ones for always supporting me!

Thesis

Cryptic speciation in a Coral Sea dwarfgoby: Eviota lachdeberei species complex

My capstone explores whether a tiny (shorter than 2 cm) reef dwarfgoby from the South Pacific, Eviota lachdeberei, is actually more than one species. I’m comparing physical features like body measurements and scale counts with genetic data to see if any traits are unique to specific genetic groups. This research helps clarify how different groups of these fish are related and is part of a larger project to clarify phylogenetic relationships between Eviota clades.

Adviser

Luke Tornabene and Marta Gomez-Buckley.

What was your best memory while at SAFS?

Getting to be a part of the 2024 Aquatic and Ecological Research in Alaska undergrad class was unforgettable. I learned so much in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

What was your favorite FISH class and why?

You cannot make me pick just one. I learned so much in every class I took, especially the classes that had labs or a big paper-writing component or field trips. One of my favorites was FISH 340 Genetics and Molecular Ecology with Lorenz Hauser. The content was challenging, but it was so gratifying when things started to make sense, and I had a lot of fun researching and writing the quarter-long lab report.

What is your go-to comfort food?

Sopes from the Northgate taco truck.

What kind of things do you like to do when you’re not being a SAFS student?

I spend a lot of time exploring outdoors, looking for alpine fishing spots or foraging for mushrooms. I also embroider in my downtime.

Thesis

Community Trends of Bering Sea Gastropods

Using whelk shells collected by the NOAA from 1970-1980 to identify trends in the abundance and number of species present in the Bering Sea.

Adviser

Luke Tornabene and Melissa Frey

What kind of things do you like to do when you’re not being a SAFS student?

I like being a marine biology student, rock climbing, and walking.

Who would you like to thank/recognize and why?

I would like to thank Connor Whalen and Bob Oxborrow for helping me to get involved with research as an undergraduate.

Do you have a favorite quote/saying?

“A bad day at fishing is better then any day at work” -Peter Dillman

Thesis

Riparian bird community structure across an urbanization gradient in the Puget Sound Lowlands Region

I collected bioacoustic data of birds across King County’s streams. I used this data to see how stream insect health and urbanization impact bird community structure within riparian habitats.

Adviser

Julian Olden

What was your best memory while at SAFS?

My favorite memory at SAFS was collecting data out in the field for my capstone. I got to go to 30 different streams around King County to set up microphones that collect bird songs over an entire summer.

What was your favorite FISH class and why?

Arctic Marine Vertebrate Ecology. I grew up and plan on returning to Alaska, so I was super interested in learning more about Arctic ecology.

Do you have any accomplishments and activities while at SAFS you would like to highlight?

I was able to complete two internships during my time at SAFS! One with COASST helping with one of the longest-running community science programs. And one with Defenders of Wildlife where I got help plan out southern sea otter reintroductions and go kayaking with sea otters.

Thesis

First observation of spawning sockeye salmon on Wrangel Island, Russia

My capstone details the first observation of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) on Wrangel Island, Russia, which is in the Arctic and notably outside the range of the species. With this range expansion, it is possible that these salmon could provide a food source for polar bears when they are unable to hunt on sea ice. In my project I consider what the presence of these fish could mean for polar bears, and what climate change might mean for the range of Pacific salmon.

Adviser

Tom Quinn.

What was your best memory while at SAFS?

Taking the field course offered at the Lake Aleknagik research station in Alaska! The opportunity do so much fieldwork in such a beautiful place was so amazing, and I made a great group of friends in the process.

What was your favorite FISH class and why?

FISH 454 with Tim Essington – this class was challenging for sure but I think it was the most I’ve ever learned in a quarter. I went from being completely overwhelmed by the prospect of coding to feeling eager to learn more.

What is your go-to comfort food?

Vanilla yogurt with berries (and sometimes chocolate chips!)

What kind of things do you like to do when you’re not being a SAFS student?

Ceramics, cross country skiing, commercial fishing in Bristol Bay, and long walks.

Do you have any accomplishments and activities while at SAFS you would like to highlight?

Being part of the Alaska Salmon Program, both as a student and a technician, was a pretty big deal for me. I transferred to UW with that program in mind, so being able to spend a whole summer up there was pretty special.

Who would you like to thank/recognize and why?

Tom Quinn for his support in my capstone work, my wonderful friends at UVM for encouraging me to apply to UW, Jackie and Chris for a great summer at ASP, and Emma Meyer for being my go-to person for everything fish and otherwise.

Thesis

Relationships between run timing and body size in UW hatchery Chinook and Coho salmon

I analyzed the relationship between run timing and body size in Chinook and Coho to see if larger body individuals arrive to spawn at different times than smaller body conspecifics. This study was to better understand how body size and spawn timing may influence divergence within populations’ run timings between different body sizes of mature spawners.

Adviser

Thomas Quinn

What was your best memory while at SAFS?

Going to the Methow valley in FISH 447 and seeing all the great work with the beaver and watershed restoration was really awesome.

What was your favorite FISH class and why?

FISH 447 watershed ecology and restoration because Gordon Holtgrieve was a straight up awesome teacher, had great field trips, and I learned a ton of really important stuff. Also FISH 311 with Dr. Tornabene because he’s also a fantastic teacher and the labs were insanely cool with all the different fish species.

What is your go-to comfort food?

Fried halibut.

Who would you like to thank/recognize and why?

I’d like to thank Dr.Thomas Quinn for being such a great advisor and an all together wonderful person to work with.

Thesis

Socio-Ecological Systems in Crisis: Analyzing Feedbacks Between Climate Change, Nature Loss, and Social Inequity in Coastal Social-Ecological Systems

This project investigates the dynamic feedbacks between climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequity within coastal social-ecological systems. Using a socio-ecological systems framework, the research examines how environmental degradation and climate-driven stressors exacerbate existing social vulnerabilities, particularly in marginalized coastal communities. By analyzing case studies and stakeholder perspectives, we aim to uncover how these stressors interact and identify community-driven solutions. Our findings will support a more holistic response to these challenges and contribute directly to the first National Nature Assessment led by the White House and the US Global Change Research Program.

Adviser

Erendira Aceves Bueno, PhD

What was your best memory while at SAFS?

Tide pooling with classmates, and smoking salmon out on the roof!

What was your favorite FISH class and why?

Invasive Aquatic Ecology was my favorite class—not just because of the content, but because it completely reshaped how I see ecosystems and human impact. It taught me to think critically about resilience, adaptation, and unintended consequences in nature. Every lecture made me feel more curious, connected, and motivated to protect the environments I care about, and the understanding that to do so we will need to think outside the box.

What is your go-to comfort food?

Apples and peanut butter with chocolate chips.

What kind of things do you like to do when you’re not being a SAFS student?

I love swimming, hiking, and playing outside.

Do you have any accomplishments and activities while at SAFS you would like to highlight?

To the two ducks I adopted outside the Fisheries building—thank you for being my unexpected companions. Visiting, feeding, talking to you, and napping beside you brought me peace when my mind was pure chaos. I will miss you deeply.

Who would you like to thank/recognize and why?

I would like to recognize all of my professors for their support and guidance, but most importantly, Carter Smith—for telling me it’s okay not to have everything figured out. Your reassurance that following what feels good and right will lead me where I need to go has stuck with me more than you know.

I also want to thank Saroj Bhandari, a stranger I met on a flight and never spoke to again, but who I think about every day. Thank you for your patience, kindness, and generosity. You changed the way I see the world.

And, of course, I owe my deepest gratitude to my parents. Thank you for answering my daily phone calls, listening to my endless worries about classes and work, and believing in me even when I wasn’t sure what I’d become. Your love and encouragement mean everything.

Do you have a favorite quote/saying?

“Thinking about the immortality of the crab”

The Walter Mitty Effect – a moment in a persons life when they decide mediocrity just will not do.

“Faint hearts never won, fair lady.” — Robin Hood

Thesis

Monitoring the Ocean: Evaluating the Tools Used for Understanding Biotic and Abiotic Relationships along the Cascadia Margin

The Regional Cabled Array has ~150 instruments stationed along the Cascadia Margin off the coast of Oregon that collect ocean data daily throughout the year. One of these instruments is a shallow profiler that collects continual data between 5-200 meter depths. This capstone evaluated the effectiveness of this instrument at providing relevant, real-time ocean data to shore and addressed possible applications of these data by looking at the interactions between oxygen, light availability, chlorophyll levels, and nutrients in the first 20 meters of the water column during the summer of 2019.

Adviser

Dr. Deb Kelley

What was your best memory while at SAFS?

One of my favorite memories during my time in SAFS has to be going to New Orleans with the Wood Lab during the summer of 2024. We got to dissect fish every day and count their parasite loads for three months, while also getting to hang out in NOLA. Getting to work alongside and get to know Chelsea’s team was amazing.

What was your favorite FISH class and why?

My favorite FISH class is tied between FISH 406 (Parasite Ecology) and FISH 270/460 (Physiology). Both classes introduced me to my passions within this field and provided me with incredible hands-on experiences. 406 has fascinating labs, and content and the topics in 270/460 are incredibly interesting and the applied portion of them makes physiology a really exciting area of study for me.

What is your go-to comfort food?

Mint chocolate chip ice cream.

What kind of things do you like to do when you’re not being a SAFS student?

I love to stargaze, read, and go to musicals!

Do you have any accomplishments and activities while at SAFS you would like to highlight?

Awarded an Honorable Mention for the Library Research Award for Undergraduates Upper Division Non-Thesis regarding my paper on the role and impact of Arctic jellyfish.

Who would you like to thank/recognize and why?

I would first like to thank the Lord for the incredible opportunities He’s given me throughout my time at UW and how He’s walked with me through it all. I would also like to thank my parents and friends for all their support and guidance over the years. Thank you to every faculty member and TA I’ve had; specifically Chelsea Wood and her team for introducing me to the world of parasites and dedicating so much time to my growth, José Guzmán for his incredible classes and introducing me to the world of teaching and physiology that will carry me into my graduate school career, and Joe Kobayashi for his constant guidance and support. Finally, I would like to thank Andrew Paley for all he’s done. I would not be doing the work I’m doing today if it weren’t for him introducing me to the RCA team and hydrothermal vent systems. I cannot thank him enough for his mentorship and relentless support over the last three years.

Do you have a favorite quote/saying?

“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” ~ C.S. Lewis

Thesis

Trematode Infections in B. attramentaria

Investigate trematode distribution patterns, infection rates in B. attramentaria across diverse Puget Sound sites.Understanding interactions between parasites and invasive hosts informs ecological management and conservation strategies.

Adviser

Greg Jensen

What was your best memory while at SAFS?

Saw the trematode sporocysts dancing under the microscope.

What was your favorite FISH class and why?

FISH 454. Cuz I did pretty bad with R studio before but learned a lot with this course!

What is your go-to comfort food?

Cheesecake.

What kind of things do you like to do when you’re not being a SAFS student?

Stay at home with my dog and cats.

Who would you like to thank/recognize and why?

Greg Jensen is seriously a 10 out of 10! He’s super kind, smart, and always so patient and encouraging. I’ve learned so much from him over the past year in SAFS, and I really appreciate how supportive he’s been throughout the whole journey.

Thesis

Participatory modeling to evaluate tribal pinniped harvest as a tool for salmon recovery

I worked with tribes in Western Washington to develop a model to evaluate if any of the pinniped management approaches available to tribal natural resource managers could help them reduce the number of salmon eaten by pinnipeds, and increase the number of salmon available for fisheries, hatcheries, or other ecosystem services. We learned that fishing activity can be a useful deterrent against pinniped predation pressure, but the most effective management options to protect salmon from pinniped predation would benefit from changes to the conservation legislation that governs the way people interact with marine mammals and protected species in the US.

Adviser

Tim Essington

What was your favorite FISH class?

My favorite class was INSC 598: Indigenous Research Methodologies taught by Professor Lefthand-Begay. Her teachings and class discussions broadened by view of science and invited me to reflect on my role as a scientist in humbling and transformative ways.

Do you have any accomplishments and activities while at SAFS you would like to highlight?

As an undergraduate one of my favorite memories was presenting my capstone research at the Northwest Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy annual meeting hosted by OSU. As a graduate student I got to serve as Chapter Leader and host an annual meeting at UW. Creating that space for a new cohort of grads and undergrads and maintaining that community was so fulfilling.

Who would you like to thank/recognize and why?

The SAFS graduate student community is truly a wonder. Thank you to all the lovely humans who supported me and who work hard to maintain such a welcoming community.

Thesis

Spatial patterns of hybridization in rockfishes of the Salish Sea

I looked at genetic hybridization patterns between brown, copper, and quillback rockfish in Puget Sound. Rockfishes in this region were overfished decades ago and have struggled to recover since then; in order to best aid their recovery and management, we need to have a clear understanding of how and to what extent they share their genetic makeup and how their populations are structured on a per-species level.

Adviser

Lorenz Hauser

What was your best memory while at SAFS?

I really enjoyed the Grad Retreat in 2024. As this was the last one I could attend, it was super special! Getting to hang with so many folks in SAFS out in beautiful Friday Harbor reminded me how lucky I am to have gone through this program and met such a rich cast of fellow researchers along the way.

What kind of things do you like to do when you’re not being a SAFS student?

Skiing, cycling, hiking, SCUBA diving, and playing games (of both board and video variety)!

Who would you like to thank/recognize and why?

My family and friends for their constant support and love, and everyone in MERlab for TONS of help in the lab and on the computer!

Thesis

Dispersal of Fry and Distribution of Redds Interact to Shape Density Dependence in Winter Steelhead of the Skagit River

We found that steelhead fry tend to stay close to redds (nests) where they hatch, especially during the earliest period of life when survival is very low. This means that clusters of spawning adults can lead to crowding of fry in relatively small parts of a stream. So, when we see signs that survival or growth of young steelhead is affected by crowding, it may be due to this local clustering of redds, not necessarily because the whole river is full, or habitat is fully saturated. This means traditional assumptions about the effects of crowding could misinterpret habitat capacity signals due to clustered patterns of spawners.

Adviser

Daniel Schindler

What was your best memory while at SAFS?

I spent a summer snorkeling and observing steelhead fry with two awesome undergrad technicians!

What was your favorite FISH class?

They are all good! I hated learning R and the instructors helped me survive it and even become proficient.

What is your go-to comfort food?

Burritos and coffee, but not necessarily together

What kind of things do you like to do when you’re not being a SAFS student?

I love spending as much time as possible on a river, kayaking, snorkeling, or fishing. Outside of that I spend my time mountain biking and back country snowboarding.

Do you have any accomplishments and activities while at SAFS you would like to highlight?

I am proud of taking a project from start to finish!

Who would you like to thank/recognize and why?

Other grad students for their support and help through my time here!

Thesis

Causes of Infection and Disease Progression of Hematodinium sp. in the Tanner crab, Chionoecetes bairdi

My work focused on the relationship between Tanner crab and the parasitic dinoflagellate Hematodinium. I examined how various biological and environmental factors, like temperature, sex, size, and time since the last molt affected the likelihood a crab would be infected, along with how gene expression shifted with temperature.

Adviser

Steven Roberts

What was your best memory while at SAFS?

Goofing around with everyone at the Grad Student Retreat!

What was your favorite FISH class?

I learned so much in Kristin Privitera-Johnson’s class on R! I took it in my first quarter, and it prepared me so well for the rest of my time at SAFS!

What is your go-to comfort food?

Chocolate pudding.

What kind of things do you like to do when you’re not being a SAFS student?

Long-distance bike trips and abrasive concerts!

Who would you like to thank/recognize and why?

My family and all my friends (especially Maria, Matthew, Dria, Piper, and Tay) for supporting me and helping me grow and change. And, of course, the whole Roberts lab – you’re the best!

Do you have a favorite quote/saying?

“Clay is molded to make a vessel—
the function of the vessel happens where the absence is.”

Daodejing (trans. Brook Ziporyn)

Thesis

Trends in juvenile sockeye salmon rearing capacity and stock specific growth performance in the Chignik watershed, Alaska

In my thesis, I examined long term trends in the habitat productivity of an interconnected coastal watershed. Using genetic stock assignment methods, we assessed the performance of juvenile sockeye salmon from multiple populations as they moved among distinct freshwater and estuarine rearing habitats.

Adviser

Daniel Schindler

What was your best memory while at SAFS?

I have many wonderful memories from my time at SAFS, but my summers conducting field work in Chignik, Alaska top the list. Spending extended periods of time living within the ecosystem I studied allowed me to engage with local communities invested in improving our understanding of sockeye salmon populations. It was incredibly rewarding to get feedback from stakeholders and see the impact of my research on the management of such a valuable commercial and subsistence resource.

What kind of things do you like to do when you’re not being a SAFS student?

When I’m not at SAFS I love trying to catch fish or ski in the Cascades.

Who would you like to thank/recognize and why?

The wonderful grad student community at SAFS, especially all those who helped me collect data up in Alaska. Also, Julie and Willard Lind who have been gracious hosts to Alaska Salmon Program grad students who have lived in Chignik Lake each summer for the last 50 years.

Cirque Gammelin

Thesis

Six Decades of Shifting Trophic Ecology in the North Pacific: Sockeye, Scales and Stable Isotopes

I examined how residential development around lakeshores impacted the structure of I used stable isotopes to better understand how marine food webs have changed through time. We processed and analyzed 60 years of archived sockeye salmon scales collected by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Adviser

Daniel Schindler

What was your best memory while at SAFS?

My favorite part about SAFS is the incredible and supportive grad student community. Some of my favorite memories are from our annual grad retreats and taking time away from the office to spend time together.

What was your favorite FISH class?

I loved the introductory R courses that I took in my first years. They helped me transition from being overall very unfamiliar with coding to feeling comfortable with advanced coding skills that I am sure I will carry with me forward into a future career.

What kind of things do you like to do when you’re not being a SAFS student?

Outside of being a student, I spend my time in the mountains skiing, hiking and climbing and on the beaches around Seattle, looking for cool critters.

Who would you like to thank/recognize and why?

My family, my friends and the SAFS community for supporting me through challenging and transitional times.

Thesis

Quantifying the interactive impacts of multiple invaders in the John Day River Basin, Oregon

Freshwater ecosystems are subject to an increasing number of stressors, including nonnative species and climate change, that complicate management of Pacific salmon and steelhead. My first chapter explored invasion dynamics across a river network by modeling interactions between smallmouth bass and rusty crayfish, while my second chapter investigated the effects of the latter invader on juvenile steelhead (i.e., competition, predation) through food web analyses. This work contributes to a larger effort to effectively manage species of conservation concern.

Adviser

Julian Olden

What was your best memory while at SAFS?

My field season in Oregon! After many summers as a technician, I loved all the responsibilities of leading: the preparations, on-the-fly decisions, and rewarding piles of data.

Do you have any accomplishments and activities while at SAFS you would like to highlight?

During my first year as a student, I had the pleasure of participating in the NSF-funded Future Rivers program. The cumulative event, a week-long summer institute, involved my cohort studying the removal of dams on the Elwha River. I led the development of our product: an interpretative exhibit that is housed in the Fisheries Sciences building.

Who would you like to thank/recognize and why?

I want to thank my family and fiancé, Mikel, for their unwavering support and love. Loads of thanks goes to my friends, many of whom are colleagues that made this journey incredibly memorable. Finally, a special thanks to Julian and the larger SAFS community.

Do you have a favorite quote/saying?

“Productive stupidity means being ignorant by choice.” (Schwartz, 2008)

Thesis

Diet and Biology of Deep-reef Lionfish (Pterois volitans) at Curaçao

Using a combination of SCUBA and a manned submersible, Sarah collected lionfish from 0 to 190 meters off the coast of Curacao. She used DNA from stomach contents to describe the diet of these invasive lionfish across the collected depth range. Lionfish are preying on deep-reef fishes and exhibit larger body sizes on the deeper parts of the reef.

Adviser

Luke Tornabene

What was your best memory while at SAFS?

Teaching Biology of Fishes Lab sections with my fellow grad students.

What kind of things do you like to do when you’re not being a SAFS student?

Scuba diving!

Do you have any accomplishments and activities while at SAFS you would like to highlight?

I became an open water SCUBA instructor.

Who would you like to thank/recognize and why?

Thank you to my family, who supported me every step of the way.

Do you have a favorite quote/saying?

“A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for.”
― John A. Shedd

Thesis

Evolution of Population Structure and Life History Types in Eelgrass (Zostera marina)

Eelgrass (Zostera marina) is a meadow-forming marine plant that supports coastal ecosystems by capturing carbon, stabilizing shorelines, and providing shelter for marine life. My research showed that eelgrass in Washington State has distinct genetic populations and that its two main life cycles (annuals that produce many seeds and die each year, and perennials that persist for longer and spread by forming lateral shoots) are genetically determined. I also investigated whether similar life cycle variation has likely evolved independently in different regions. This work supports science-based decision-making by identifying key genetic differences among populations to guide restoration efforts and inform conservation strategies, such as selecting annual or perennial transplant material, to promote long-term resilience.

Adviser

Kerry Naish

What was your best memory while at SAFS?

Participating in several scientific meetings, especially the World Seagrass Conferences in Maryland, USA, and Naples, Italy.

What was your favorite FISH class and why?

Probably Hot Topics because it was exciting to see all types of research being conducted at SAFS.

What is your go-to comfort food?

Chicken wings and anything truffle-flavored.

What kind of things do you like to do when you’re not being a SAFS student?

I love to dance and enjoy paddleboarding during the summertime.

Do you have any accomplishments and activities while at SAFS you would like to highlight?

I am glad to have found support and motivation through several groups—including the SAFS community, my Latinx friends, and the teaching teams I was part of.

Who would you like to thank/recognize and why?

My family that has supported me from afar for so many years.

Thesis

Lifetime Trophic Ecology of Fishes and Invasive Species Management in Dryland Streams

I studied how food web interactions between native and invasive fishes change through their lifetimes using fish eye lenses and otoliths (ear stones). I also used population modeling and simulations to ask how to make invasive fish removal more efficient.

Adviser

Julian Olden

What was your best memory while at SAFS?

Driving to the Grad Student Retreat at Friday Harbor with other grad students in my cohort who became some of my best friends!

What was your favorite FISH class and why?

Beautiful Graphics in R with Trevor Branch. It was a creative outlet and super useful!

What is your go-to comfort food?

Ice cream.

Who would you like to thank/recognize and why?

Thank you to my friends at SAFS and my family, who’ve been a constant source of support and love over the years.

Do you have a favorite quote/saying?

“Never give up on something you really want. It’s difficult to wait, but more difficult to regret.” – Mel Lawrence, professional track athlete

Thesis

Population ecology and decision analysis to inform seabird conservation

Seabirds are one of the most threatened groups of animals, facing a suite of anthropogenic and climate-driven challenges both at sea, where they forage, and on land, where they breed. In this dissertation, I use population modeling and decision analysis to inform conservation strategies, using case studies from the California Channel Islands to demonstrate how ecological modeling and structured decision making can help prioritize limited resources and improve outcomes for vulnerable species in dynamic and uncertain environments.

Adviser

Sarah Converse

What was your best memory while at SAFS?

I love watching other students defend. It is the triumphant culmination of so much work and perseverance – and it is so impressive and interesting hearing what my peers have been working on.

What was your favorite FISH class and why?

I never thought my favorite class would involve linear models but QERM 514 changed my world. It gave me the foundation to start getting answers out of data.

What is your go-to comfort food?

I don’t know if it is my favorite, but my graduate experience was fueled by a lot of quesadillas.

What kind of things do you like to do when you’re not being a SAFS student?

Anything that does not involve sitting at a computer… running, hiking, biking, swimming, laying in the sun!

Who would you like to thank/recognize and why?

My advisor, Dr. Sarah Converse, for believing in me when I didn’t and for teaching me how to be a better scientist and person.

Do you have a favorite quote/saying?

“our work should equip the next generation of women to outdo us in every field this is the legacy we’ll leave behind progress – rupi kaur”

Thesis

Emerging technologies to assess human benefits from and risks to water resources

My work shows how technological innovations – specifically posts to social media – can be leveraged to support the management and conservation of freshwaters. I modeled lake visitation at lakes from social media data and surveyed lake users to understand the cultural ecosystem services they associate with time spent on water. In addition, I visualized waterbody connectivity with human movement inferred from social media records to quantify risk of aquatic invasive species’ introductions.

Adviser

Julian Olden

What was your best memory while at SAFS?

The Future Rivers Summer Institute on the Skagit River. We met with stakeholders throughout the basin (including Tribes, federal agencies, local communities, and recreational interests) to hear their perspectives on Federal Energy Regulatory Commission relicensing negotiations for three large dams operated by Seattle Public Utilities on the Upper Skagit.

What was your favorite FISH class and why?

Sarah Converse’s Introduction to Structured Decision Making course. Part of this class was held as a one-week workshop on Washington State University’s campus in Pullman at the start of the quarter, and I really enjoyed taking the class alongside WSU students and learning how my research is best framed to inform management decision making processes.

What is your go-to comfort food?

Mike’s meats, or the Charlie Bird farro salad.

What kind of things do you like to do when you’re not being a SAFS student?

Ski, bike, run, climb, bake, and play music.

Do you have any accomplishments and activities while at SAFS you would like to highlight?

I really enjoyed volunteering as the FINS External Coordinator, serving on a hiring committee, and planning the SAFS graduate retreat in 2022. In my final year of graduate studies, I’ve been working for the National Park Service’s Inventory and Monitoring Division to summarize and analyze their long-term climate station data. Balancing this role with finishing graduate school was hard, but I’ve learned so much from working with my NPS colleagues and really enjoyed doing applied science for a management agency.

Who would you like to thank/recognize and why?

My advisor Julian Olden, as well as my committee – Spencer Wood, Andrew Berdahl, Katie Arkema, and Josh Lawler. I’ve been fortunate to work with so many smart and kind scientists during my time here. I’d also like to thank my fiancé Robby and my family and friends for their constant support.

Do you have a favorite quote/saying?

“I don’t feel particularly proud of myself, but when I walk alone in the woods or lie in the meadows, all is well.” – Franz Kafka

Thesis

Improving fisheries management by using spatial quantitative modeling to evaluate fish distributions and demographic responses to climate change

To evaluate how climate change may impact fisheries management, I evaluated how patterns in fish size and distribution changed over space and time and were driven by temperature and oxygen using statistical models and data on groundfish in the northeastern Pacific Ocean.

Adviser

Tim Essington

Thesis

Marine conservation under a changing climate and for deep ecosystems

While the ecological benefits of highly protected marine areas (MPAs) are well-established, many controversies remain on whether these benefits will perdure under future climatic conditions and on whether MPAs are relevant tools to protect deep offshore ecosystems. My research addresses these uncertainties by (1) clarifying the climate benefits that MPAs can provide, (2) assessing the conservation level and fishing pressure across depth zones of the ocean, and (3) advancing the ecological knowledge of deep-reef ecosystems to better inform their conservation.

Adviser

Luke Tornabene

What was your best memory while at SAFS?

Living on the Friday Harbor Lab campus while TAing during the Fall quarter, and waking up to raccoons, sea otters, and deers every morning.

What was your favorite FISH class and why?

I really enjoyed teaching FISH 311 (Fish Biology) because of the number of cool & crazy fish specimens we get to show students during the labs.

What is your go-to comfort food?

Post-hike Thai restaurant.

What kind of things do you like to do when you’re not being a SAFS student?

Run, climb, ski in the mountains!

Who would you like to thank/recognize and why?

Huge thanks to my two main advisors, Luke Tornabene and Joachim Claudet, for their guidance and mentorship throughout my degree.

Thesis

Confronting uncertainty in the contribution of mesopelagic fishes to the biological carbon pump

For my dissertation, I worked on describing and quantifying the carbon transport and sequestration associated with small but abundant fishes that live in the ocean’s twilight zone, and characterizing uncertainty in those estimates. These fishes play a role in sequestering carbon and moving energy up to higher levels in the marine food web. To study these topics, I use a combination of ecological modeling and data collection at sea and in the lab to generate understanding that can inform decision-making about how to manage these species in potential future fisheries.

Adviser

Tim Essington and Ray Hilborn

What was your best memory while at SAFS?

So hard to choose! A few are: midnight field work in the North Atlantic working with amazing shipmates and beautiful, bioluminescent myctophids; connecting with students as a TA for Ecological Modeling and Conservation and Management of Aquatic Resources; hiking in Cascade Pass with the Hilborn Lab crew; presenting at a conference in Bergen, Norway with old friends and new colleagues; late night conversations at grad student retreat in Friday Harbor; witnessing the magnificent sockeye salmon runs in Bristol Bay, Alaska; evening paddleboarding right across the street with SAFS friends; attempting to rig up a tin can/string telephone between Miranda’s and my office spaces one day after work.

What was your favorite FISH class and why?

Tim’s improv comedy for science communication course, where we learned how to use storytelling to connect with audiences about our science in a more engaging way.

What is your go-to comfort food?

Peanut butter toast and banana and tea.

What kind of things do you like to do when you’re not being a SAFS student?

Biking, hiking, catching up with family and friends.

Do you have any accomplishments and activities while at SAFS you would like to highlight?

Volunteering with Students Explore Aquatic Sciences to host the Aquatic Sciences Open House and connect with the wider community about our research, speaking with high school students at various events to discuss aquatic science and careers in STEM, being a participant and later co-lead of a training workshop for applying to the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Student Research Fellowship Program, and collaborating with US and international colleagues in a couple different research projects related to ecosystem services that the oceans provide.

Who would you like to thank/recognize and why?

Special thank you to Tim Essington for being a phenomenal mentor, advisor, teacher and chair of my PhD committee. Thank you also to Ray Hilborn, Gordon Holtgrieve, Amy Maas and Joel Llopiz for the mentorship and training you gave me. And of course, thank you to my husband and my dear labmates, classmates and friends in the department who made grad school so enriching and fun.

Do you have a favorite quote/saying?

Be the change you want to see in the world. – attributed to Gandhi.

Marley Parker

Thesis

Optimizing Harvest Control Rules for Catch Stability and Biological Conservation in Marine Fisheries

Kristin’s dissertation investigates innovative approaches to fisheries management that balance economic stability for fishing communities with ecological conservation. Through advanced computer modeling, her research evaluates strategies that could reduce dramatic fluctuations in fishing catch limits while ensuring sustainable fish populations for future generations. This work contributes to developing more effective policies that support both the livelihoods of those dependent on fishing and the long-term health of marine ecosystems.

Adviser

Andre Punt

What was your favorite FISH class and why?

My favorite FISH classes were FISH 558 and 559. These courses taught me how to approach challenging problems, identify the core steps required to develop a solution, and implement my plan to solve the problem. The unique design of those classes fostered an effective environment for me to learn these difficult lessons. For example, we started each course with a few days at Friday Harbor Laboratory, where we forged bonds with our classmates while learning new coding languages or Bayesian statistics. This workshop built community that we could rely upon for the rest of the quarter at UW!

What is your go-to comfort food?

Mexican or Thai food!

What kind of things do you like to do when you’re not being a SAFS student?

I enjoy fiber arts and I recently added crochet to my list of crafting hobbies. I also love fantasy books, television/movies, and video games.

Thesis

Examining hair growth rates and dietary patterns of wild and captive bears

My dissertation explored how tissue samples can be used to understand the feeding ecology of bears. I studied the diet of the Baffin Bay polar bear subpopulation by analyzing hair and fat samples using stable isotope and fatty acid analyses, and linking these results to movement patterns of adult females. I also conducted a zoo-based study on hair growth rates in polar, black, and brown bears, which improved our ability to interpret hair samples from wild bears.

Adviser

Kristin Laidre

What was your best memory while at SAFS?

I was fortunate enough to travel to the Arctic as a marine mammal observer for four summers during my time at SAFS, and my best memories are seeing polar bears, walruses, seals, birds, and whales from research vessels and icebreakers. My favorite memory from these trips was when our ship got stuck in the middle of an ice floe, and a curious polar bear approached the ship standing on its hind legs. When not in the field, my best memories were with my fellow graduate students.

What was your favorite FISH class and why?

My favorite FISH classes were Beautiful Graphics in R (FISH 554), Multivariate Statistics (FISH 560), and Environmental Data Science (FISH 549). In each of these courses, I gained valuable skills in a short amount of time that I continue to use in my research.

What is your go-to comfort food?

Sweet potatoes, plantains, or guava cake.

What kind of things do you like to do when you’re not being a SAFS student?

My favorite thing to do is spend time with my partner, friends, family, and pets. I enjoy listening to audiobooks and working on puzzles. I also like to get outside by hiking, snowshoeing, kayaking, or tidepooling.

Do you have any accomplishments and activities while at SAFS you would like to highlight?

I am very proud to have been a founding member of Students Explore Aquatic Sciences (SEAS) and feel fortunate to have remained involved with such a dedicated group committed to making science more accessible. It has been inspiring to watch the Aquatic Sciences Open House grow throughout my time at SAFS, and I look forward to seeing all that SEAS will accomplish in the future.

Who would you like to thank/recognize and why?

I’m deeply grateful to my partner, Reuben, and to my family for their love, encouragement, and constant support. I also thank my advisor and committee for their thoughtful mentorship, time, and support. I’m especially thankful for the friends, lab mates, and pets who brought joy, perspective, and companionship throughout this journey.