The Next Swell 2023 Scholarship Winners
Isha - Undergraduate student at Harvard University
Isha grew up next to Puget Sound, seeing the rich marine ecosystem supported by bull kelp. Because of her upbringing, she is interested in how human activity is impacting coastal ecosystems. She is currently working on a project with the Fulweiler Lab at Boston University to assess the role of salt marshes in sequestering carbon. Ultimately, she wants to further the conservation of blue carbon ecosystems like kelp forests in order to preserve a healthy ocean for her generation and support indigenous cultural practices.
Jessica - PhD candidate at Oregon State University
Jessica is studying large, apex shark predators in the Big Fish Lab! By looking at where they go and what they eat, Jess’s research will provide critical insights into the ecology of an abundant apex predator in temperate waters, the Broadnose Sevengill Shark (Notorynchus cepedianus). Her project is determining how this predator maintains productive Pacific Northwest marine ecosystems to inform management of critical fisheries in the region. Her research also aims to understand fisheries as part of a larger cultural picture in the Pacific Northwest and contribute to critical outreach and engagement with the broader public – teaching that sharks are important, necessary, and downright cool members of healthy marine ecosystems!
Kirby - PhD candidate at the University of Hawai’i
Kriby is studying the underwater acoustic communication of the endangered Hawaiian monk seal. Using passive acoustic monitoring and multi-sensor acoustic tags, she aims to describe the vocal repertoire of free-ranging Hawaiian monk seals for the first time, to describe the soundscapes of their critical habitats, and to assess the impacts of man-made noise on their behavior. These studies will inform conservation and management decisions to better protect this endangered pinniped species numbering ~1500 individuals. In addition to her research, Kirby co-develops and teaches the Summer Marine Mammal Intensive Learning Experience (SMMILE) for Hawaiʻi's high school students. @smmile_mmrp is a free 10-day, overnight program where 12 students learn about marine mammal research, conservation, and marine protected areas in Hawaiʻi through field trips, hands-on training/activities, and classroom-based content.