specimen under microscope

Class Schedule

Welcome!

We are currently working on our class/speaker schedule for Saturday, February 3, 2024. You can view last year speaker schedule below.

*All speakers, panelists, and conference topics, as well as the order of events, are subject to change at any time.

8:30 – 8:45 AM- Welcome and Announcements
8:45 – 9:45 AM- Morning Keynote
Keynote
Keynote: Restoring the Salish Sea: Science, Action, and Resiliency
Join Dr. Joe Gaydos Science Director of the SeaDoc Society and Wildlife Veterinarian.
9:45 – 10:00 AM – Break & Exhibits
10:00 – 11:00 AM
Salish Sea Sciences
Sea Cucumbers: Rotting and Regenerating Zombies of the Sea
This presentation will describe the current ecological, physiological, and molecular research Jim Nestler and his students are conducting on these seemingly “simple” sea cucumbers in
Changing Environment
Oiled Wildlife Response in Washington
This presentation covers the elementary basics of how Federal, State, and Local agencies respond to oil spills.
Life and Resilience: From Forests to Feathered Friends
Tale of Two Seabirds: Marbled Murrelets and Pigeon Guillemots
A Tale of Two Seabirds: Marbled Murrelets and Pigeon Guillemots Every seabird needs a scribe to tell its fascinating life history. How do we find
11:00 – 11:15 AM – Break & Exhibits
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Life and Resilience: From Forests to Feathered Friends
Moving the Target: Forest Management in a Changing Climate
Explore the primary effects of climate change on tree species and forest ecosystems in western Washington, then discuss management actions that can increase long-term resilience.
Changing Environment
Salish Sea Successes: Examples of Marine Mammal Recovery
Salish Sea\’s greatest marine mammal recovery stories, animals who were once trapped, hunted, and persecuted but have since rebounded throughout Washington and British Columbia.
Salish Sea Sciences
Dock Fouling & Nudibranchs in the Urban Wilderness
Floating docks are an intriguing hub for marine organisms and provide an accessible window into local marine life. Nudibranchs are commonly found on the side
12:15 – 1:00 PM – Break for Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 PM- Afternoon Keynote
Keynote
Afternoon Keynote: We Are Puget Sound- Discovering and Recovering the Salish Sea
A campaign, book, and multimedia touring exhibit amplifying the voices and actions needed to protect and restore Puget Sound and the Salish Sea.
2:00 – 2:15 pm Break & Exhibits
2:15 – 3:15 PM
Life and Resilience: From Forests to Feathered Friends
COASST: Seabirds, Marine Debris, and Citizen Science
Hands-on citizen science offers an opportunity to collect environmental data over stretches of space and time that no research lab could hope to attain on
Changing Environment
Health and Resilience of Pacific Madrone, an Iconic Shoreline Tree
Learn about one of our favorite Pacific Northwest trees, the Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii).
Salish Sea Sciences
Microplastics Around Us
Microplastics are ubiquitous in our environment and living in the PNW, we encounter them in unexpected places.

Our Speakers

Dr. Joe Gaydos

Science Director, Sea Doc Society
Dr. Joe Gaydos, Science Director of SeaDoc Society will be Keynote for Sound Waters University February 4, 2023!
Learn More Dr. Joe Gaydos

Mindy Roberts

Puget Sound Campaign Manager, Washington Environmental Council
Critically endangered orcas and salmon have shown us in recent years that in the face of pollution, population growth, and climate change, it will take
Learn More Mindy Roberts

Dr. Lyda Harris

Environmental sustainability and conservation scientist, Boeing
Dr. Lyda Harris has over 10 years of experience in marine pollution, data science, zero waste, and public policy and will present at Sound Waters University
Learn More Dr. Lyda Harris

Luan Roberts

Nudibranch enthusiast with a master of arts in biology
Luann Roberts will present at Sound Waters University 2023 on Sea Slugs of the Salish Sea (Nudibranchs).
Learn More Luan Roberts

Dr. Julia Parrish

Founder of COASST
Dr. Julia Parrish is a Sound Water Stewards partner, and founder of COASST. She will present at sound Waters University on Saturday February 4, 2023 on how
Learn More Dr. Julia Parrish

Don Noviello

Oil Spill Planning and Response Specialist, WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife
Donald T. Noviello is a Fish and Wildlife Biologist with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oil Spill Team specializing in oil spill
Learn More Don Noviello

Maria Mudd Ruth

Author
Maria Mudd will present on Marbled Murrelets at Sound Waters University on Saturday February 4, 2023.
Learn More Maria Mudd Ruth

Dr. Jim Nestler

Professor of Biology, Walla Walla University
Professor Nestler\’s research primarily focuses on the study of sea cucumbers.
Learn More Dr. Jim Nestler

Erin Gless

Executive Director, Pacific Whale Watch Association
Erin Gless is the Executive Director of the Pacific Whale Watch Association. She holds a BS in Biology with Marine Emphasis from Western Washington University
Learn More Erin Gless

Marianne Elliott

Plant Pathology Research Associate, WSU Puyallup
Marianne Elliott is a Research Associate in Plant Pathology at Washington State University, Puyallup Research & Extension Center and co-founder of ArbutusARME. 
Learn More Marianne Elliott

Michael Yadrick

Plant Ecologist, Seattle Parks and Recreation
Michael Yadrick is a Plant Ecologist with Seattle Parks and Recreation and he works for the Green Seattle Partnership team.
Learn More Michael Yadrick