Cindy Elliser

Dr. Cindy R. Elliser is a marine mammalogist and educator based in Anacortes, WA. Dr. Elliser received her B.S, M.S. and PhD in Biological Sciences and Integrative Biology from Florida Atlantic University (FAU). She has over 25 years of experience studying marine mammals, from the Bahamas to the Pacific Northwest. She is the Founder and Research Director of Pacific Mammal Research (est. 2014), a non-profit research and education organization in Anacortes focused on harbor porpoises and harbor seals of the Salish Sea. She has published numerous peer-reviewed scientific papers and book chapters, presented at international conferences and has extensive experience in public education and science communication. Dr. Elliser has been an educator for over 25 years, teaching biology, chemistry and marine mammal related courses at high schools, colleges and universities and worked on curriculum development and program accreditation.  As Associate Director and Academic Program Director at the Salish Sea Institute, Western Washington University, she uses her skills and experience to increase knowledge sharing across borders, disciplines and generations to enhance protection and conservation of the Salish Sea region. Dr. Elliser enjoys being able to work both on the academic front as well as engaging with people and science throughout the Salish Sea.