Communications Internship with Wild Forests & Fauna

Written by

Wild Forests & Fauna, a conservation non-profit working Peru and Uganda, is looking for an Environmental Studies intern! Work virtually and learn to develop a communications strategy for the Future Leaders youth project. See PDF or details below.

Apply by: August 26, 2016 

Work Location: Virtual

Interviews Scheduled: September 6-10, 2016

Desired Start Date: September 12, 2016 (flexible)

Commitment: Average five (5) hours/week, for Three (3) Quarters — Fall 2016, Winter & Spring 2017

Compensation: $600 stipend per quarter — Paid in December, March, June — Total $1,800

Background

Wild Forests and Fauna (WildFF) is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring threatened forests through local leadership of community based projects. Over the last three years, this small nonprofit has launched four successful projects in Peru and Uganda.

With the organization’s foundation set and projects initiated, WildFF is ready to enhance its communications strategy and increase its exposure to a wider audience. To this end, WildFF is searching for a proactive and engaging communications intern to support our Future Leaders project team.

Future Leaders is a multiyear youth leadership program that provides aspiring young individuals with skills in sustainable business, innovation, and leadership. Programs are hosted in globally important, endangered forests that have significant opportunities for conservation, currently in the Madre de Dios region of the Peruvian Amazon. We invite local youth (aged 18-30) who want to conserve their natural resources and be successful entrepreneurs.

In this position, you’ll codevelop and implement a digital communications strategy—including blogs, social media and newsletter content—to educate and inspire the public and prospective donors about the Future Leaders project (currently prepping for its 4th Summit). This is an opportunity to work directly with WildFF’s Communications Team—made up of board members who are currently working in the marketing & communications field—while also gaining firsthand  experience working with a young and growing international conservation organization.

Objectives/Scope of Work:

● Strategy & Planning – Work with the WildFF Communications Team and the Future Leaders project team to cocreate the design, focus, and strategy of the communications plan for the upcoming year

● Content Creation – Develop content for the Future Leaders program. May include, but not limited to, blog posts, social media posts, images, infographics, videos, etc.

● Social Media Posting – Submitting blog & social media posts to communications team for review and approval and then publishing live to WildFF accounts

● Meetings & Checkins – Regular email communication as needed; biweekly checkin meetings.

The WildFF & Future Leaders team are spread across the globe and regularly meet via Skype. Occasional in-person meetings are an option in Seattle, Baltimore, and New York if desired.

Desired Qualifications & Skills:

● Genuine Excitement & Interest in our work! Passion for environmental conservation, youth empowerment, capacity building and/or wild forests and fauna is paramount for our organization.

● Excellent communication (listening, verbal, written) in English. The ability to communicate clearly and professionally in a virtual and online environment is necessary for success in this role. English fluency is required; Spanish proficiency is not required, but will be considered a major plus as our Future Leaders program operates in Peru.

● Initiative & Resourcefulness – This intern will report to and work with the WildFF Communications Team and the Future Leaders project team throughout the internship. That said,the ideal candidate will have strong time management and organization skills, as well as the initiative to get things done on their own time with limited oversight.

● Multicultural Sensitivity & Awareness – As an international organization working with diverse constituents in other countries, it is imperative that our Communications Interns can develop an understanding and empathy for multicultural audiences.

● ProblemSolving, Reasoning & Creativity – This role is an opportunity to help shape the future of our communications process and internship program. The ideal candidate will be prepared to push boundaries, suggest new ideas and move our organization forward in new and exciting ways.

To Apply:

Apply by Friday, August 26, 2016. Send the following to ryan@wildff.org with the subject line Future Leaders Communications Internship Application.

● Cover Letter – Show us that you have the qualifications and skills noted above and include responses to the following questions:

○ Why are you interested in this internship with Wild Forests & Fauna?

○ What excites you most about the Future Leaders Program?

● Resume – Be sure to include any relevant experience.

● Writing Samples – Include 1-3 samples of writing and/or social media posts that you have done within the past year.

Questions: If you have any questions about this position, please feel free to ask! Send them via email to ryan@wildff. org with the subject line Future Leaders Communications Internship Questions.

Environmental Studies awarded 20K for student tech fees

Written by

Each quarter, matriculated students of the University of Washington pay a Student Technology Fee (STF), which amounts to almost $5 million a year. The STF pays for additional technological needs of students, both in and out of their regular classes. The fund is student-run and operated, and funds must be distributed to benefit students.

This year, Environmental Studies instructor Tim Billo put forth a 20K proposal, prompted by requests for “a “library” of state of the art equipment to equitably satisfy the learning and research needs of all of our students.”

The STF committee heard the request and awarded the funds to our program, thanks to student input and Tim’s proposal! We are delighted students will now have more access to high quality field equipment to enhance their hands-on learning experiences.

Details

The Environmental Studies program offers quarterly field courses, including environmental science, natural history, environmental education and urban farm courses. Students can now enrich their learning experience with the provision of high-tech equipment ranging from binoculars and spotting scopes to GPS units and water quality meters.

For more information, read the full proposal and impassioned quotes by students and the teaching team.

“The University is dedicated to becoming a leader in sustainability and environmental change- this equipment is a necessary extension of the University’s dedication to environmentally minded graduates.” – Jennifer Power, Environmental Studies

Summer Research Opportunities from URP

Written by

Dear Students,

Hope you’re all enjoying your summer! The UW Undergraduate Research have shared the following research-related opportunities, presentations, along with upcoming deadlines so you don’t miss out!

(1) Research Funding: WRF Fellowships and Levinson Awards  – Apply by August 22
(2) URP Seeks Undergraduate Research Leaders – Apply by September 1
(3) EIP-Presidential Scholarship – Apply by September 9
(4) Enroll in Research Exposed! for Autumn Quarter (General Studies 391 D)
(5) Gen Stud 391K: Undergraduate Research for CC Transfer Students! (see attached flyer)
(6) Summer STEM Poster Session – Wednesday, August 17. 2016
(7) Summer Institute in the Arts and Humanities Exhibit Opening (Aug. 17) & Symposium (Aug. 18)

Best,

URP Staff

____________________________________________________________________

(1)  Research Funding: WRF Fellowships and Levinson Awards  – Apply by August 22

 NOTE: These two opportunities share a common application and you are welcome to apply to one or both for 2016-17 funding. 

WASHINGTON RESEARCH FOUNDATION FELLOWSHIPS (www.uw.edu/undergradresearch/students/funding/wrff/)

Washington Research Foundation Fellowships (WRFF) for advanced undergraduates support promising students who work on creative and sophisticated science and engineering research projects under the guidance of UW faculty. WRFFs target undergraduates who have already participated in undergraduate research for at least three quarters and who are working beyond an introductory level in a project that requires creativity and advanced knowledge.

As WRF Fellows, selected outstanding UW undergraduates will receive funding to support their research in these disciplines, including funding to present their findings at a professional conference.

LEVINSON EMERGING SCHOLAR AWARDS (www.uw.edu/undergradresearch/students/funding/levinson/)

Levinson Emerging Scholars awards support talented and highly motivated UW juniors and seniors in a variety of fields who want to pursue creative and advanced bioscience and related research under the guidance of UW faculty.  Levinson scholarships target applicants who have already participated in undergraduate research for at least three quarters and who are working beyond an introductory level in a project that requires creativity and advanced knowledge

As Levinson Emerging Scholars, selected outstanding UW undergraduates will receive funding based on their budget proposal to support their bioscience and related research, including funding to present their findings at a professional conference.

____________________________________________________________________ 

(2) Apply to be an Undergraduate Research Leader! – Apply by September 1

The Undergraduate Research Program (URP) is seeking enthusiastic and experienced undergraduate researchers from all disciplines to be Undergraduate Research Leaders (URLs) for the 2016-17 academic year. Students conducting research in the arts, humanities, and social sciences are particularly encouraged to apply.  

URLs serve a central role in connecting undergraduates to support services of the URP. The goal of the URL program is to increase awareness and participation of undergraduates doing research in a range of disciplines. As a URL, you can motivate future undergraduate researchers! Anticipated URL time commitment is approximately 8-10 hours/month and dependent on quarterly events and student availability.

More information and application available here: 

Questions? Contact the URP Staff at urp@uw.edu or (206) 543-4282

__________________________________________________________________

(3) The Early Identification Program within the Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity is pleased to announce that the 2016-17 Presidential Scholarship applications are now open – Apply by September 9.

The Presidential Scholarship supports students who have clearly demonstrated scholastic achievement, an interest in research, and plan to attend graduate school (doctoral or master’s programs). The award will be for $3,333.00 for 3-quarters during the 2016-2017 academic year. Upon receipt of the award, students will be expected to submit a formal research proposal, conduct three consecutive quarters of research, meet regularly with the EIP staff, present their work at the joint Early Identification/McNair Program Annual Spring Research Conference and concurrent Undergraduate Research Symposium, and comply with the other requirements of Presidential Scholars. Awards are contingent upon the continued availability of funds.

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY:

An applicant should be affiliated with either the Early Identification Program, Ronald E. McNair Program or any of the LSAMP, TRIO-SSS, OMAD or EXPD programs.

Applicants should also:

  • conduct a research project with the supervision of a faculty member for the three consecutive quarters of the 2016-2017 academic year
  • plan to attend graduate school
  • have a minimum of 125 credits
  • we give priority to students with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and who regularly use the EIP, McNair, LSAMP, EXPD or OMAD programs.

The application and additional information can be found at: http://depts.washington.edu/eip/services-and-resources/scholarships/

Please direct any questions to eip@uw.edu.

___________________________________________________________________

 (4) Enroll in Research Exposed! for Autumn Quarter (General Studies 391 D)

Research Exposed! (GEN ST 391 D) offers undergraduates an opportunity to learn about current, exciting research in a wide variety of disciplines, including the process of discovery, how faculty come up with an idea for research, how inquiry is structured in the different disciplines, and how students can become involved in the knowledge-making process.

Presentations by UW faculty focus on specific issues such as ethics and the culture of research. Students attend weekly, fifty-minute discussions and have the opportunity to ask the speaker questions following each presentation. This course may be repeated for credit (1 credit/quarter-3 quarters max); speakers and topics will vary. 

See the UW Time Schedule entry (SLN 15450) to register.

___________________________________________________________________

 (5) Undergraduate Research Intensive for Community College Transfer Students

GENERAL STUDIES 391 K (2 cred) |  SLN: 15456

1-Day Workshop (September 22) + weekly follow-ups (Fridays, 1:30-2:20 PM)

 The Undergraduate Research Intensive designed for incoming transfer students comprises an initial 1-day pre-autumn quarter workshop, held September 22 on the UW Seattle campus, followed by weekly sessions during the quarter designed to help transfer students attain and excel in undergraduate research positions.The course will demystify the research process at UW and provide instruction in research-related skills and resources. All students receive one-on-one advising with Undergraduate Research Program staff and interact with peer researchers.

For more information & to request an add code, contact urp@uw.edu and include the following:

  • Your full name
  • Transfer institution
  • UW student number
  • Major, intended major, or area(s) of interest

See flyer for more info.

___________________________________________________________________

 (6)  Summer STEM Poster Session – August 17

 Please join us for the Summer STEM Poster Session, Wednesday, August 17th, from 9-noon in Mary Gates Hall Commons. This is a great opportunity to see the research undergraduate students have been conducting this summer quarter! We anticipate over 60 students (from 13 summer research programs) will share their work!

___________________________________________________________________

 (7) Summer Institute in the Arts and Humanities – Exhibit Opening & Symposium

The Summer Institute in the Arts and Humanities, is a unique opportunity for UW undergraduates to participate in an intense research seminar led by faculty mentors. This summer, nineteen students and four faculty focused on the topic of energy and excitation. Please join us to celebrate these young researchers and their work. Visual and sonic works-in-progress will be on display in the Jacob Lawrence Gallery. Students will also deliver a research presentation in a day-long symposium in Allen Auditorium.

Jacob Lawrence Gallery
August 18-25, 2016
Opening: August 17, 5-7 PM

Research Symposium
Allen Auditorium
August 18, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

_____________________________________________
Undergraduate Research Program 

Center for Experiential Learning and Diversity | Undergraduate Academic Affairs

University of Washington

Box 352803 | 171 Mary Gates Hall
PH: 206.543.4282 | FAX: 206.616.4389
www.uw.edu/undergradresearch/

facebook.com/undergradresearch

blogs.uw.edu/urp

The Seattle Times covers Tim Billo’s 9 day wilderness trip in the PNW

Written by

What it’s like to spend 9 days in PNW backcountry: ‘A reset for the human spirit’

The Seattle Times environmental reporter, Lynda Mapes, joined Environmental Studies instructor Tim Billo and 10 students during an intensive 9-day backpacking excursion into the Olympic National Park this summer, part of Tim’s class: Landscape Change in the Pacific Northwest.

This challenging class immerses students in nature, where they reflect on the importance of wilderness, discover their own strengths living in the wild, and learn about the unique species in the Olympics.

Environmental-studies students from the University of Washington and instructor Tim Billo make their way down into Grand Valley toward the end of their trek in the Olympic National Park backcountry.
Steve Ringman/The Seattle Times
Environmental Studies students from the University of Washington and instructor Tim Billo make their way down into Grand Valley toward the end of their trek in the Olympic National Park backcountry.

 

Being so close to nature reminded student Emi Schwartz how small humans are in this vast world and how therapeutic it is to reside in the wild and escape technology and daily stresses, even if for a few days:

“A 400-year-old Douglas Fir is a reset for the human spirit.” – Emi Schwartz, senior in Environmental Studies

 

See the video “Why is wilderness important?” as part of the Seattle Times story.

Environmental Ed Internship with the EPA

Written by

The Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 (Seattle Office) has a digital eInternship teaching environmental education (ECOLEARN) lesson plans at elementary schools.

As an eIntern, you will get to teach exciting, already prepared environmental education lesson plans at local elementary schools. We are testing the lesson plans, expanding our outreach and make necessary revisions to the materials as a prelude to sharing them on a national stage. Lesson topics include: Animals, Air, Water, Ecosystems, Energy, Waste, Food, and Climate. See the internship description: http://vsfs.state.gov/projects/view/448.

Apply for the Digital Internship – deadline July 26

The Virtual Student Foreign Service (VSFS) is the largest virtual internship program in the world! This year there are more than 900 vacancies with more than 30 federal agencies. VSFS offers unique mentoring and recruitment possibilities.

Applications for the 2016-17 VSFS program are open between July 2 and 26 on USAJOBS.gov. Real work is waiting for students with more than 30 federal agencies including NASA, the Smithsonian, the State Department, National Parks Service, and others. You can see the projects offered at http://vsfs.state.gov/! To apply, students must log on to USAJOBS, create an account, build a resume, and upload a transcript. The specific project description and project is at http://vsfs.state.gov/projects/view/448.

VSFS

eInterns play an important role in moving the government forward.  There’s something for everyone: design, research, mapping, videography, history, analysis, writing, calculation, policy planning, app development , and more! 

eInterns spend ten hours a week from September through May. Although this is unpaid, volunteer work, eInterns make connections that make a difference, gain valuable experience, and sometimes get course credit. 

All applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled in at least one university level course in the U.S. or abroad. 

Learn more at our website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter!

Welcome Rick Keil, new director of the Program on the Environment

Written by

The Environmental Studies team is delighted to welcome Rick Keil, professor of chemical oceanography, to lead the program for the next three years.

Rick brings to the directorship a diverse background of university service including stints as associate director of oceanography and as chair of the UW’s faculty sub-council on academic programs. His research focuses on a changing ocean with specific emphases on low oxygen environments (oceanic ‘dead zones’) and on the changes humans impart upon the ocean’s carbon cycle. Rick’s lab group also studies ocean pollution, focusing on the chemical contaminants associated with plastic. Rick teaches a variety of courses ranging from introductory oceanography to ocean pollution.

Rick on vessel
Rick Keil

One of his goals as director of the Program on the Environment is to foster community between people studying and working in the humanities, and sciences.

“Now, more than ever, the world needs well educated people making a positive difference at the interface of the arts, sciences and humanities. I think the Program on the Environment plays an important role in shaping this component of the university’s mission, and I look forward to collaborating broadly across campus to bring the humanities and the natural and social sciences closer together.” 

Read more at College of the Environment News.

 

Rick with high school students participating in his Ocean Intern program.
Rick Keil
Rick Keil with high school students in his Ocean Intern program.

Rick is passionate about promoting excellence and innovation in student learning. He started Ocean Intern, a paid internship program that takes 10 high school students on a research vessel for a four weeks. Students work with Rick to explore the waters of the Puget Sound and conduct ocean science experiments.

Sound Citizen, another project Rick started with Washington Sea Grant sends Puget Sound residents to collect water samples across the region that are tested for chemicals. The collected data helps raise awareness about the link between chemicals in the water and the effect on human health.

 

 

Cleaning up WA through waste education and outreach

Written by

E_SzoradElizabeth Szorad

Waste Zero Specialist at Recology

Environmental Studies alumna, class of 2013

What is your current role?

I’m a Waste Zero Specialist at Recology CleanScapes, an employee-owned company that works with municipalities on waste diversion strategies. I work closely with businesses, schools and multi-family complexes providing education and technical assistance for handling their waste.

How did a degree in Environmental Studies at UW help you in your career?

I came to UW not knowing anything about the environment or the issues our society faced. I was a pre-med major, with an interest in psychology, but after taking a fisheries class and an introduction to environmental studies class I discovered my passion.

Recologytabling_E Szorad
Elizabeth Szorad
Elizabeth at the 2016 Washington State Recycling Association Conference supporting Chico Bags initiative to ban plastic bags.

My interest in waste was peaked when I took ENVIR 480: Sustainability Studio. We implemented paper towel composting in the UW athletics department (working with the women’s volleyball team). At the same time I was working on my Capstone internship with  Recology CleanScapes (formerly CleanScapes) in their Waste Zero department where I managed several outreach and education projects. I fell in love with the work and stayed on with the company through my senior year.

My degree taught me about systems thinking and to understand what makes people care or not care about environmental issues. The hands-on classes helped me to gain practical experience, including the Capstone, Sustainability Studio and a service-learning project I did as part of ENVIR 100. I was also a peer TA for ENVIR 100, which built my communication skills and helped prepare me for my current position, where I use my public speaking skills every week.

Belonging to a passionate community and working together to change behavior helped me get to where I am. I wouldn’t be here (at my current dream job) if it weren’t for Environmental Studies.

How did you get the job you currently have?

I took a job in Recology CleanScapes’ customer service department shortly after graduation. In that position I learned about the operations side of waste management. While I knew my passion was in outreach and education I recognized I needed more varied experience in the field.

Through networking at the largest waste conference in Washington, I learned about environmental consulting and applied for positions. I was soon offered a job as a project manager for Full Circle Environmental, an environmental consulting firm. I managed commercial recycling programs outside Seattle and also worked on water conservation and energy efficiency projects. I increased my professional skills through report writing, budget tracking, data analysis and face-to-face outreach with communities and businesses.

I loved the work at Full Circle Environmental but Recology CleanScapes was always home, and I wanted to go back. I reached out to my former colleague and it was fate as my dream position had just opened up. In this position as a Waste Zero Specialist, I work with all demographics and ages. There is no place I would rather be and I am lucky enough to wake up every day knowing that I love my job.

Recology street outreach_E Szorad
Elizabeth Szorad
Walking in a parade during the largest Washington State event, “Salmon Days” in Issaquah.

In what ways are you making an impact? 

People take waste management for granted. It’s an out of sight out of mind mentality. I help people understand why waste is important and how each individual can make an impact in helping WA be the leader in waste management.

I get to work with schools, businesses and multi-family complexes to help them understand why it’s important to recycle and compost.

It is empowering to see what happens to your waste once it’s out of sight and it’s rewarding for me to help individuals connect the dots.

We give free tours and presentations to educate the public about how waste is processed in WA.

It is very rewarding when people come up to me after a presentation and thank me for the work I am doing and say that they are inspired to change their behavior. I feel like I am moving the needle and making a difference in the world of waste.

What are you working on currently and what inspires you about the work?

My days are never dull as a Waste Zero Specialist and my duties vary, much like a start-up atmosphere. I manage many waste reduction city programs and right now there is a competition in Seattle for the Golden Dumpster Award. Owners of high-rise buildings apply and answer questions about their waste management and education initiatives. I then go in and evaluate what they’re doing as well as consult on how they can improve their waste diversion methods.

Another project I’m working on helps companies qualify for LEED certification. I recently developed a waste characterization report and manage a crew that sorts a day’s worth of waste for companies that want to become LEED certified; we go through the trash, recycling and compost and send data about how much waste is currently being diverted. It’s fun to visualize the data and provide recommendations. There is always room for improvement!

Teaching kids about waste_E Szorad
Elizabeth Szorad
Giving a presentation after a waste audit at Concord Elementary School, Seattle, where students get to sort through their own school’s waste.

My favorite part of this job is working with schools. We conduct waste audits with students, which includes a presentation and then students get to participate by sorting through their own waste and creating their own report.

Do you have a few words of advice for current Environmental Studies majors?

Take classes that give you experience outside of the classroom setting and expand your perspective. And stay in touch with each other. I’ve stayed in touch with my graduating class; we continue to help and inspire each other and it’s always nice to run into familiar faces at environmental events and have your former classmates become your colleagues and partners.

Also, passion can take you very far in comparison to industry knowledge because you have added motivation to learn. I cannot tell you how many times a potential employer told me I needed more experience. Don’t give up – it’s about finding the right employer who recognizes the drive UW Environmental Studies students have.

The environmental field in Seattle is very competitive and small; once you find a company that values passion do not take that opportunity for granted. If you know where you want to be, go get the experience you need and then go back to the company you see a future with; it demonstrates loyalty and determination. It is hard to break into the industry but if you talk to the right people and show initiative, you can get that dream job!

 

Kristi Straus talks sustainability on King 5, New Day Northwest

Written by

Kristi Straus, Ph.D, a lecturer for Environmental Studies at the College of Environment, University of Washington, teaches about sustainability and practices it in her daily life; today she spoke on King 5’s New Day Northwest about ways that everyone can weave sustainability into their lifestyle.

Watch the New Day segment and learn some of Dr. Straus’s tips on everyday actions citizens can consider to lessen their environmental impact.

Screen Shot 2016-06-14 at 3.12.25 PM

Practicing sustainability, in the classroom and beyond

In her Environmental Studies (ENVIR 239) class Sustainability: Personal Choices, Broad Impacts, Dr. Straus breaks down what sustainability means and why it is important, and sets up a series of sustainability activities so students can experience their own personal impact. For example students learn about the American waste system and carry their trash for a week, as well as reflect on their food consumption, designing their rules for one week of sustainable eating. The goal is for students to understand how their way of life will impact future generations.

One student was so inspired by the class she took it upon herself to experiment with a zero-waste lifestyle and continues to find ways to embrace sustainability, through her food consumption, and purchasing habits.

Creating partnerships to conserve the marine environment

Written by

Shaking water samples aboard the R/V Barnes in Hood Canal, WA.
Mariko Kobayashi
Shaking water samples aboard the R/V Barnes in Hood Canal, WA.

Mariko Kobayashi

Major: Environmental Studies
Minor: Marine biology and oceanography
Hometown: Carlsbad, CA

 

Do you recall your first experience with nature?

As a kid, I was always exposed to the marine environment. I lived by the beach and went on diving trips to get crabs and examine sea kelp. My school took us on field trips via the Scripps Aquarium and I grew up fascinated with marine life.

Why did you choose the Environmental Studies major?

I’ve always been interested in how humans interact with the environment. I took ENVIR 100 (Introduction to Environmental Studies) with Kristi Straus and realized I wanted a more interdisciplinary path. I saw alignment with Kristi’s own varied professional path. The Environmental Studies major offered a lot more opportunity for me to grow as an individual and have broader knowledge of the environment, including the social (human) side.

What’s the most influential moment/class you’ve experienced in this major?

In ENVIR 250: Research Methods in Environmental Studies, Tim (Billo) and Yen-Chu (Weng) took us on a field trip to Ravenna Park where we did some water and invertebrate sampling; I was surprised to find leeches and all other forms of life. It was really valuable to see how much of an influence communities had on these creatures as a result of their run-off into the streams.

Aboard the UW R/V Barnes vessel in Hood Canal, WA brining in the zooplankton net.
Aboard the UW R/V Barnes vessel in Hood Canal, WA brining in the zooplankton net.

In what ways are you sharing your passion and knowledge with UW and the community?

I co-founded the UW marine biology club and our goal is to build a community of students who are passionate about marine science. We organize tide pooling trips, social events, volunteer work, academic seminars and more. Anyone associated with the UW is welcome to join!

I am also the student rep for the College of the Environment Curriculum Committee. Outside of university life, I volunteer at the Seattle Aquarium as a science interpreter for kids.

What project are you currently working on?

As part of my Environmental Studies Capstone project, I will be working with founders of the Marine Resources Advisory Council, including Washington Sea Grant, The Nature Conservancy and the EPA to create partnerships for ocean acidification.

In this role I need to think about ocean acidification and how it ripples through different organizations and ask: how can different organizations partner on these issues? I’m excited about working collaboratively on a matrix of target audiences for ocean acidification issues, and will seek outside organizations (NGOs) who aren’t currently addressing these issues and then conduct outreach and education to help enlist their support.

Examining zooplankton samples on the R/V Barnes with student Alex Mitchell-Morton.
Examining zooplankton samples on the R/V Barnes with student Alex Mitchell-Morton.

Why is ocean acidification so relevant?

To me, ocean acidification and its effect on sea critters is the canary in the coalmine; it’s a consequence of climate change and human impact. As a result, it affects corals and shellfish, as well as tiny organisms at the base of the food chain, like pteropods (the most adorable sea snails out there!). Ocean acidification lets us know that our primary producers are in danger. That affects the entire ecosystem.

So, pteropods?

I took an oceanography class where I had the amazing experience of going on an ocean cruise (the first of three I would take) through NANOOS (Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems). I met Dr. Jan Newton (executive director of NANOOS) at the start of my sophomore year and then learned about the cruises through her. We conducted research and collected phytoplankton and pteropods and I learned how important they are to the marine food web.

What are your plans after graduation?

I’m interested in joining the Peace Corps, or NOAA Corps, which focuses more on marine affairs in the Pacific Northwest.

What advice would you give to current and prospective students?

Take lots of different classes! Get to know faculty, develop relationships early. They are so nice! And some amazing opportunities arise from interacting with faculty and peers.

 

Mariko graduated in Spring 2016. 

Community Stewardship Partner at Sound Salmon Solutions

Written by

Sound Salmon Solution is seeking long-term volunteers to help with salmon habit restoration work. Read on for more details!

Context

Chinook Salmon and Steelhead populations are at less than 5% of historic levels in the Puget Sound region. Without dramatic habitat restoration and community awareness, these fish populations are at risk of collapse which would negatively impact tourism, recreational fishing, commercial fisheries, and the 137 other species that directly rely on these fish.

Sound Salmon Solutions (SSS) is a 26-year-old, volunteer-based, 501 (c) 3 non-profit, Regional Fisheries Enhancement Group whose mission is to restore and enhance salmon populations through habitat restoration, community engagement and education. Habitat restoration includes: invasive species removal (plants), planting native trees along salmon streams and creeks, constructing in-stream structures, removing fish passage barriers and maintaining habitat along current project sites. Education programs engage over 1,000 students each year through in-classroom and field based learning programs, teacher workshops, science kits and custom curriculum.

Volunteer Description

SSS is seeking two or three Community Stewardship Partners for a long-term volunteer opportunity to raise public awareness about the decline of salmon populations, water quality problems and solutions, and personal best management practices.

Community Stewardship Partners will be asked to attend 5-10 community outreach events per year ranging from 4-8 hours per event, including farmer’s markets, festivals, conferences, and science fairs at local schools. Community Stewardship Partners build community awareness and support for salmon recovery as well as provide information about how individuals can make a difference by getting involved with SSS through our volunteer and education programs.

SSS will provide training, all of the needed supplies (event registration, outreach materials, brochures, display board), and coordinate all of the logistics (mileage reimbursement, parking/event fees, etc.) for attending events on our behalf. In addition, SSS Staff would attend the first one or two events with the outreach volunteer. The outreach volunteer would attend subsequent events on behalf of SSS independent of staff. For larger events, the CSP would be supported by SSS Staff or another trained SSS CSP. CSP direction and training will be provided by our Education & Engagement Program Coordinator, and our Membership & Volunteer Coordinator.

Qualifications

  • Enjoy talking to people with a diversity of backgrounds, interests
  • Knowledge or willingness to learn about the salmon recovery and water quality issues in Washington
  • Willingness to volunteer at 5-10 events throughout the year, many will be during the summer months outdoors, and some during the fall/winter/spring months indoors
  • Willingness to volunteer during the week or on the weekends: event times and dates vary
  • Volunteers will be asked to sign-up for events at least 2 weeks in advance. SSS will accommodate volunteer scheduling needs
  • Must have reliable transportation that can be used to travel to/from sites with some limited reimbursement from SSS for mileage
  • Hold a clean driving record and at least 2 years of driving experience
  • Able to carry or use hand truck to move outreach materials (including 25 pound trifold board, and box of event materials)
  • Can effectively work as an individual or in a team on tasks

Impact

By attending 5-10 events per year, Community Stewardship Partners will raise awareness by directly speaking with 200-400 community members about the critical need for salmon recovery efforts in the Puget Sound region. Through our online publication, the Watershed Review, SSS provides important updates and announcements. Each Community Stewardship Partner will serve to increase the distribution of this publication by signing up at least 10 new people to our distribution list. With additional distribution comes additional volunteer and mission support. Community support and stewardship is critical to the conservation of our vital natural resources.

Location: Events throughout King & Snohomish County

Ideal Number: 2 or 3 outreach volunteers

Supervisor: Lisa Syravong

Application Process

To apply, please contact Lisa Syravong, Membership & Volunteer Coordinator for Sound Salmon Solutions at lisa@soundsalmonsolutions.org or by calling (425) 252-6686 to complete the application process.