Announcing our Second Fellows Cohort
We are delighted to introduce our new Salish Sea Fellows, a diverse group of eight individuals dedicated to advancing transboundary projects aimed at enhancing research and awareness of priority issues in the Salish Sea. Following a rigorous selection process, we extend our gratitude to our team of reviewers for their invaluable assistance. Fellows will receive funding to carry out their proposed project identified below. We are eager to embark on this journey with our new cohort.
Dr. Chloe Robinson
Director of Whales Initiatives, Ocean Wise Conservation Association, Victoria, BC
Project: Examining Cross-Border Discrepancies and Unified Pathways in Environmental Regulations to Enhance Whale Conservation in the Salish Sea.
Chloe’s project explores ways to safeguard whale species, their prey, and their habitats in the Salish Sea aims by pinpointing areas of divergence, understanding their implications, and exploring opportunities for enhanced cooperation to overcome barriers to transboundary conservation.
Chloe Robinson Ph.D., (she/they) is an applied ecologist and conservationist with over 7 years of experience in impactful research and conservation tool development. They hold multiple degrees from Swansea University (UK) and have led various cetacean-focused initiatives, including the WhaleReport Alert System (WRAS).
Isabelle Maurice-Hammond
PhD Candidate, University of Victoria
Project: Estuarine root gardens: challenges and opportunities for renewing relationships with ancient landscapes.
Isabelle’s project explores challenges estuarine root gardens are facing, while sketching out potential pathways towards resilience and restoration. Building on her doctoral research, she aims to outline the characteristics, regional variations, and importance of estuarine root gardens for revitalizing Indigenous food systems.
Isabelle Maurice-Hammond is completing her PhD in environmental studies at the University of Victoria, focusing on estuarine root gardens on coastal British Columbia while working as the cultural heritage research coordinator by the Stk'emlupsemc te Secwepmc First Nation.
Dr. Kelly Bushnell
Independent Researcher, Seattle, WA
Project: “Menaces” and “Monsters”: The History and Future Basking Sharks in the Salish Sea.
Kelly’s project addresses gaps in knowledge surrounding Basking Sharks in the Salish Sea. By incorporating historical perspectives and Traditional Ecological Knowledges and addressing the colonial history of environmental destruction in the Pacific Northwest, the project seeks to mobilize regional knowledge through articles, policy recommendations, and seminars.
Kelly Bushnell Ph.D., is a Seattle-based scholar of ocean humanities, with expertise historical, literary, and cultural dimensions of marine biodiversity. She is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Ocean Literature at the Williams College-Mystic Seaport Ocean and Coastal Studies Program, and she currently serves as a Board Member at the Center for Open Exploration.
Dr. Kieran Cox
Postdoctoral Fellow, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC
Project: Sound Marine Management: Mapping Species Responses to Vessel Noise
Kieran’s project aims to identify the extent to which underwater vessel noise negatively impact three culturally, economically, and ecologically important species: Pacific herring, Pacific salmon, and resident killer whales. By integrating noise response thresholds into vessel noise maps, the project seeks to understand the ecological implications and advocate for effective management strategies.
Kieran Cox Ph.D., is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Simon Fraser University, focusing on aquatic pollutants, community ecology, and ecosystem management. He co-founded the FishSounds project and is dedicated to increasing awareness of marine noise pollution.
Dr. Rob Williams
Chief Scientist, Oceans Initiative, Seattle, WA
Project: Assessing limits to allowable harm to southern resident killer whales through prey limitation and vessel noise and disturbance.
Rob’s project quantifies the ecological limits of the Salish Sea to support the survival and recovery of Southern Resident Killer Whales. Building on previous research, the project aims to establish biologically meaningful limits to harm through population modeling and policy recommendations.
Rob Williams Ph.D., is a marine conservation biologist and co-founder of Oceans Initiative, dedicated to the study and conservation of marine wildlife. With a focus on whales since 1995, his work combines creative science with a passion for marine conservation, aiming to identify gaps in protection strategies and develop pragmatic solutions.
Dr. Xi Wang & Dr. James Miller
Assistant Professors, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA
Project: Shifting Perspectives of Human-Environment Relations Across the Salish Sea: A Comparative Study of Indigenous Ontologies and Settler Colonialism in Housing Policy and Design Among First and Tribal Nations.
Xi and James’ project explores the implications of settler colonialism on Indigenous housing in the Salish Sea region. Through a comparative analysis, the project aims to understand the manifestations of colonial governance and Indigenous ontology on land use, housing, and climate change adaptation.
Xi Wang, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at Western Washington University, focusing on energy and climate governance. James Miller, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Comparative Indigenous Studies, with expertise in Indigenous design knowledge and placemaking.
Jessica Plumb
Independent Filmmaker, Port Townsend, WA
Observer Participant
Jessica Plumb is an award-winning filmmaker known for her exploration of the relationship between people and the land and waters. She brings her storytelling expertise to the Fellows cohort, contributing to the group’s collaborative efforts.
For more information about our Fellows and their projects, please contact:
Ginny Broadhurst,
Director of the Salish Sea Institute.
The Salish Sea Institute at Western Washington University is dedicated to raising awareness and protection for the Salish Sea. As stewards of this vital ecosystem, we facilitate knowledge sharing across disciplines and borders. We educate students on this region’s rich history, ecology, culture, as well as the complexities of managing this region between the many nations and stakeholders that call this place home. We strive to deepen engagement with place while honoring millennia of Indigenous knowledge.