Bios

Dr. Avery Shinneman is a Teaching Professor in the School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences at the UW Bothell where she teaches environmental science courses focused on the process of investigating the environmental systems we live in. Her intention is that students leave her courses with a better understanding of both the earth system/process the class is focused on (water resources, geology, etc.) and the way scientists go about investigating that process. Most of her classes involve individual research, experiential learning at outdoor field sites or local environmental agencies, and significant hands-on problem solving. Her main focus is to teach students how to navigate the often messy process of discovery. She believes strongly that many controversies in the public discourse about science, including debates about climate change, evolution, and medicine, stem from the fact that too many people see science as a textbook that has already been written instead of as a dynamic process. She wants to encourage students to look at science as something they can actively create and evaluate, rather than something that is handed to them as a set of predetermined conclusions. Her desire is that each student leaves one of her courses better able to use evidence in decision making, discuss the uncertainties and errors in scientific research, and apply the knowledge of the course to a relevant problem.

Dr. Sara Maxwell is a faculty member at the University of Washington, Bothell Campus. Her work with Marine Conservation Institute focuses on marine spatial planning and dynamic MPAs. Dr. Maxwell attended University of Florida where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. She then spent four years as a Conservation Scientist with Marine Conservation Institute. Sara returned to Marine Conservation Institute after completing her doctorate at University of California Santa Cruz. Her dissertation research involved the effectiveness of marine protected areas for top predators along both the US West Coast and the coast of Central West Africa. Sara worked with the Census of Marine Life’s Tagging of Pacific Pelagics project, focusing on conservation gaps on the US West Coast and the use of the National Marine Sanctuaries by marine mammals and seabirds

Dr. Jennifer Atkinson is a Teaching Professor in the School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences at the University of Washington, Bothell. As an environmental humanities scholar, she examines not only the cultural dimensions of climate change but also its emotional and psychological impacts on students. Drawing on educational research, she integrates evidence-based strategies to help students process climate grief, anxiety, and despair in ways that sustain critical thinking, agency, and long-term engagement. Her teaching in this field has been featured in major media outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, and National Geographic.

Dr. Atkinson is also author of the book The Existential Toolkit for Climate Justice Educators: How to Teach in a Burning World (University of California Press, 2024) which offers practical strategies for supporting young people through the emotional dimensions of climate change. She also leads public seminars on climate and mental health and is creator/writer of the podcast Facing It, which helps audiences channel eco-anxiety into informed action.

I'm (second from the right) a math major at the tacoma campus of University of Washington. I like to study the way we teach math, as well as concepts we can't see. I use these concepts in every aspect of my life, including understanding and communicating  complex issues such as climate change and interdiscinterdisciplinary struggles. I have a very cute little dog I love to spend my time with, and she often attends my virtual meetings with me. 

Marcus Hunter is a third-year ESS major at the University of Washington Bothell, hoping to pursue a graduates degree in atmospheric science - outside of the classroom, he's very passionate about guitar, travel and the outdoors. 

Ash is a first generation college student studying Environmental Science: Geosciences with a minor in Law & Policy at the University of Washington Tacoma. She has a particular passion for volcanology, and plans to go on to pursue her graduate degree in Geochemistry before working in the environmental geoscience field. Outside of academics, Ash loves to try new things and explore what Washington state has to offer, she also has two adorable corgis, S'mores and Maple.

Taylor is  a senior Conservation and Restoration Science major at UW Bothell, minoring in climate change and society. She is passionate about wildlife biology, ecology, and geomorphology. In her spare time she does art, looks at birds, and spend as much time on or in Puget Sound as possible.

Anna is graduating Fall 2026 with a double major BS Conservation and Restoration Sciences and BA Global Studies with a GIS minor. With a lifelong love of Giraffes and following her study abroad to Kenya in summer 2025, she is hopeful to find a career path in wildlife conservation, especially in helping species survive the changing world. Outside of that, she loves spending time with her dog, reading ecological non-fiction, and when time allows creating art through drawing, painting or writing. 

Nathan is an ESS: Geology major in his senior year at UW Seattle. 

Linda is a third year student majoring in Interdisciplinary Arts and  Sciences (IAS) with an Environmental Studies minor at the Univeristy of Washington Tacoma campus.

Regan is a senior Earth System Science major at UW Bothell minoring in GIS. Interested in earth's different processes and excited to explore Iceland. Favorite thing in life is her cats. Hiking and biking are some of the most enjoyable ways to pass time.

Louis is a 5th-year student and a senior at UW Bothell, majoring in ESS with a minor in GIS, focusing on data visualization and hydrogeology. His passion is for preserving the natural beauty of the world in a way that allows humanity to flourish alongside it.

Landon is a first year junior at UW Bothel, majoring in Coservation & Restoration Science, with a minor in GIS, focusing on geology and ecology. Landon is most passionate about the ecology of wetland habitats, herpetology, and education, with a particular love of teaching natural sciences.

Mayelli  is a senior at the University of Washington Bothell, majoring in Health Sciences with a pathway toward dentistry. She values connection and culture, weaving history and science into her passion for oral health and community well-being. When she is not studying or working, Ayala enjoys volunteering her time with at-risk youth, drawing from her own experiences as a first-generation, non-traditional college student. Through education, mentorship, and community involvement, she hopes to encourage young people to recognize the strength in their experiences and the possibilities within their own paths.

Marisa is a junior at UW Bothell, majoring in Conservation and Restoration Science with a minor in GIS. She's interested in conservation of agricultural land. She enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her cat Lucy.

Lisa is a Senior at UW Seattle, studying Earth and Space Sciences with a focus in Geosciences. She is also minoring in Data Science. Lisa is passionate about plenty of things but she loves rocks and cool geologic structures. She is from southern Washington originally but moved to Montana a few years ago. Her hobbies include hiking, reading and playing board games on her free time. 

Will is a sophomore at UW Seattle, majoring in Environmental Studies. He is passionate about environmental policy and conservation. In his free time, he likes to travel and spend time on the water fishing and crabbing.