UW College of the Environment

@uwenvironment

#UWEnvironment breaks boundaries to create new knowledge and bring solutions-oriented thinking to big environmental issues. Join us!

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UW College of the Environment@uwenvironment· 1d

You may have heard warnings of a "Super El Niño" coming this winter, but what does that actually mean? We talked with Karin Bumbaco, Deputy Washington State Climatologist & @cig-uw.bsky.social researcher, to understand how El Niño might impact the PNW climate. https://bit.ly/3S5tNvk

El Niño can lead to reduced mountain snowpack, as seen on this photo of Mount Rainier (credit to Caleb Riston)

UW College of the Environment@uwenvironment· 4d

👟 Lace up your sneakers and join our team for this year's Alaska Airlines Dawg Dash on Sunday, Oct. 18! We'll also have fun swag for our team members at our booth. Register early and save! Sign up to run or walk with #TeamENV at https://bit.ly/4hToFov

UW College of the Environment - Join Our Team for Dawg Dash!

Alaska Airlines Dawg Dash, October 18, 2026
10k Run / 5k Run/Walk

UW College of the Environment@uwenvironment· 7d

Congrats to our faculty for being selected as Fulbright Scholars this year! ⭐ Kristen M. Green with @uwsmea.bsky.social ⭐ Prof. Robert Morris with the School of Oceanography The Fulbright Scholar Program supports recipients to teach and conduct research across the globe. https://bit.ly/4pRCjKM

UW College of the Environment@uwenvironment· 9d

Through @uwsafs.bsky.social's Alaska Salmon Program, UW undergrad students are in the field researching salmon and their ecosystems. Thanks Alaska Airlines for supporting students and faculty with their flights to Alaska to engage in this unique experience! Hear more from some of the students 👇

Undergraduate student Luca sharing a selfie from the Alaska Airlines plane

Undergraduate student Pearl sharing a selfie in front of the Alaska Airlines plane

Students at airport in front of Alaska Airlines

UW College of the Environment@uwenvironment· 13d

Could there be life on... Titan? @uwess.bsky.social Prof. Baptise Journaux discusses exploring moons like Saturn’s Titan for evidence of life and the 2028 NASA mission on the debut episode of the “Pocket Science” podcast by @kuow.org. 🎙️ https://bit.ly/45sr2XR Photo credit: NASA

NASA Cassini spacecraft views Saturn with a selection of its moons in varying sizes. Also seen here are Titan center, Enceladus far right, Pandora, barely detectable as a speck on the far left, has been brightened by a factor of two.

UW College of the Environment@uwenvironment· 14d

We hosted the first Community-Engaged Research Symposium in May with @waseagrant.bsky.social @cig-uw.bsky.social & EarthLab! 120+ colleagues joined us in conversations about partnering with Native tribes, volunteers and other community members in research across the College. https://bit.ly/3TZ3APs

Participants from across the College of the Environment gather at the first Community-Engaged Research Symposium.

UW College of the Environment@uwenvironment· 16d

Roadless forests provide better quality drinking water. If the federal gov't moves forward with rescinding the "roadless rule" protecting these areas, it may impact drinking water for 25 million people based on a study led by @uwsafs.bsky.social researchers. https://bit.ly/4x04ium @uwnews.uw.edu

Aerial view of Methow Valley in the North Cascades region of Washington

UW College of the Environment@uwenvironment· 18d

With 569 seismic monitoring stations across WA and OR, the ShakeAlert earthquake warning system installations are now complete! Researchers at @pnsn1.bsky.social are exploring how to expand the system to better detect offshore earthquakes. https://bit.ly/4wNMbre 📷: University of Washington

A seismic monitoring station installed in August 2025 atop Burley Mountain in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest

UW College of the Environment@uwenvironment· 21d

Which orcas have you seen in Puget Sound? Researchers at @uwsafs.bsky.social found that endangered southern resident killer whales are visiting Puget Sound less often, but the larger Bigg’s killer whales are becoming more common. https://bit.ly/4vzFFmQ Photo credit: Wayne Hoggard / @noaa.gov

UW College of the Environment@uwenvironment· 25d

🎉 We’re excited to announce new leadership changes across the College: Becky Alexander has been named the chair of @uwatmossci.bsky.social Phil Levin will be the director of @uwsmea.bsky.social Susan Dickerson-Lange is stepping in as interim director of EarthLab. https://bit.ly/4b02ybT

Pictured from left to right: Becky Alexander, Phil Levin and Susan Dickerson-Lange

UW College of the Environment@uwenvironment· Jun 25

Join us at #PNWClimateWeek! Cecilia Bitz, the Jerome M. Paros Endowed Chair in Atmospheric and Climate Hazard Research and expert on Arctic climate change, will talk about the importance of sea ice to protect coastline communities and cool the planet, and how it can be saved. https://bit.ly/3QzQBCJ

UW College of the Environment@uwenvironment· Jun 15

Can the #WorldCup best the Beast Quake? @pnsn1.bsky.social is once again using its earthquake-sensing equipment to connect with sports fans. Follow along and check out results during the next five weeks, including today's match. https://bit.ly/4oF3wQj #FIFAWorldCup #FWC26Seattle #WeAreSeattle

UW College of the Environment@uwenvironment· Jun 11

Undergraduate student Hailey Smith got to work with 5 million-year-old ice from Antarctica as part of a #UWEnvironment mentorship program that connects undergraduate students interested in research with graduate student mentors in the geosciences. https://bit.ly/4e06RFZ

Hailey Smith, wearing a hooded jacket, is intently observing a machine in a lab setting.

A close-up of a large ice core sample. The ice appears translucent with visible air bubbles. The background shows blurred machinery.

Two individuals examine a large ice core on a table inside a laboratory labeled "NSF Ice Core Facility." The setting is scientific with tools and equipment visible.

Hailey Smith, wearing winter clothing and gloves, inspects rows of shiny metal cylinders in a storage area.

UW College of the Environment@uwenvironment· Jun 3

Congratulations to David Catling, a @uwess.bsky.social professor who has been elected as a fellow of the Royal Society. Fellows are elected from all over the world through a lengthy selection process based on scientific excellence. https://bit.ly/4fklFQT @uwnews.uw.edu @uofwa.uw.edu

UW College of the Environment@uwenvironment· May 29

Congratulations to @uwsafs.bsky.social professor Daniel Schindler for being named a new member of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences! Daniel is elected for his work on how climate change, urbanization and land use affect ecosystems and fisheries. https://bit.ly/3RSQzG9 @uwnews.uw.edu

Daniel Schindler stands outdoors in a field, wearing sunglasses, a cap, and waders. They look into the distance. The sky is partly cloudy, and mountain peaks are visible in the background.

Daniel Schindler stands overlooking a scenic valley with lush greenery and pink wildflowers. There are mountains in the background and a lake below. Daniel is wearing outdoor gear and a cap.

UW College of the Environment@uwenvironment· May 28

This week we celebrated this year's #UWEnvironment award winners! These 11 people are recognized by their colleagues for making unique, inspiring and meaningful contributions to our community during the academic year. Read about each winner: https://bit.ly/3RQLwGe

A group of 11 people holding their awards poses for a photo in a large, spacious room

UW College of the Environment@uwenvironment· May 26

New study: University of Washington scientists eavesdropped on Cook Inlet belugas to better understand the context of their calls and how human noise is impacting their ability to communicate with each other. https://bit.ly/4f46cnU @uwnews.uw.edu @uwsafs.bsky.social

A group of beluga whales swimming in the ocean, with snowy mountains and a clear sky in the background.

UW College of the Environment@uwenvironment· May 21

Congratulations to undergraduate student Zayna Haider, who is the inaugural recipient of the Steve Pool Memorial Fund for Students in Atmospheric and Climate Science. https://bit.ly/3RoL4ii @uwatmossci.bsky.social @uofwa.uw.edu

Zayna Haider standing in a field with water behind.

Zayna Haider stands beside a large, decorative globe at an AMS event. The backdrop features repeated AMS logos.

UW College of the Environment@uwenvironment· May 20

There are more opportunities than ever for ocean science students to build meaningful careers in the field. That’s why 130+ students, industry professionals and researchers recently gathered at #UW for a first-ever conference to connect students with marine tech careers. https://bit.ly/4uDtGov

A group of people writing on a wall covered with paper. The room has exposed wooden beams and several individuals appear to be engaged and smiling.

A person holding a microphone speaks to an attentive audience seated at long tables in a bright, spacious room.

A group of people stand around a scientific instrument on a wooden pallet in an outdoor setting. They appear to be engaged in conversation, with cars and trees in the background. The focus is on the equipment, indicating a collaborative or research setting.

A group of people stand in front of a research poster, engaged in conversation. The setting appears to be an indoor academic or conference environment.

UW College of the Environment@uwenvironment· May 18

Congratulations to Joel Thornton, who has been named new dean of #UWEnvironment! Joel is a professor and former chair of @uwatmossci.bsky.social and his research focuses on the impacts of human activities on air quality and climate. https://bit.ly/4v11nR9 @uwnews.uw.edu @uofwa.uw.edu

Joel Thornton stands outside with boats in a harbor and a bridge behind him.

UW College of the Environment@uwenvironment· May 8

A near-miss tsunami in Alaska during tourist season last Aug. highlights increasing environmental instability. A new study in @science.org describes how glacial retreat caused by global warming primed a fjord or a colossal wave. https://bit.ly/4wi0rZI @uwnews.uw.edu @uwess.bsky.social Photos: USGS

A scenic view of a glacier with surrounding mountainous landscape, featuring snow-capped peaks and rocky terrain. Ice formations float in the water, set against a clear blue sky.

A scenic view of Tracy Arm Fjord in Alaska, featuring rugged cliffs and a calm, icy green waterway with floating ice. A lone tree stands on a rocky outcrop, with snow-capped mountains visible in the distance under a clear blue sky.

A panoramic view featuring a rugged landscape with snow-capped mountains and a massive glacier extending into the bay. The foreground has a body of water with floating ice. The sky is clear with wispy clouds.

UW College of the Environment@uwenvironment· May 7

#UWEnvironment is hiring for two positions: Marketing and communications specialist in the Dean's Office, and a temporary lecturer position in Oceanography. Links below for more info and how to apply. https://bit.ly/3OKCmtX https://bit.ly/42J3zQW @uofwa.uw.edu

Aerial view of a cityscape with a body of water and urban buildings. The skyline includes a recognizable tower. Large text over the image reads "We Are Hiring" with a purple hue overlay.

UW College of the Environment@uwenvironment· Apr 16

The #UW community gathered last week to mark the official re-opening of renovated Anderson Hall with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The building features a more welcoming atmosphere, improved accessibility, upgraded technology and critical safety enhancements. https://bit.ly/42gvqHO

Four people stand in front of a building, participating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The building has large glass doors and brick detailing. Two plants flank the entrance. They appear to be celebrating.

A group of people stands outside, attentively looking in one direction. They are set against a backdrop of lush greenery and trees. The people in the foreground are wearing casual clothing, and the mood appears engaged and attentive.

A person in a beige jacket leans over a table outdoors, writing on a piece of fabric with a marker. The table holds large scissors, three bottles of water, a box with additional items, and a piece of paper. Other individuals are in the background near a brick building.

A group of people are gathered in a room with large windows, engaging in conversation. The room is decorated with wooden beams and a mounted deer head on the wall. Some attendees are wearing business attire, while others are dressed casually.

UW College of the Environment@uwenvironment· Apr 3

Why is contact with nature good for our mental and physical health? Scientists are now beginning to understand the mechanisms at play inside us that cause us to respond positively to nature. https://bit.ly/47HVNKa

Person walking on a forest trail surrounded by tall trees and lush greenery. The path is winding and natural.

UW College of the Environment@uwenvironment· Apr 1

A team of 170 scientists and experts — led by Phil Levin, interim executive director of the UW EarthLab — has published a draft report detailing the health of U.S. nature. The report is open for public comment and review until May 30. https://bit.ly/482vpuw @uwnews.uw.edu

A bee gathering nectar from bright purple flowers in a garden, with a blurred green background.

UW College of the Environment@uwenvironment· Mar 23

A UW-led team looked at impacts of tilling on soil moisture and water retention using methods designed for monitoring earthquakes. This could help farmers develop tailored cultivation strategies, provide real time food info, inform quake hazard maps and more. https://bit.ly/47Yuuet @uwnews.uw.edu

A grassy field with a large green canopy covers equipment and supplies. A generator and stroller are nearby. A small tent is visible in the distance on the left. People are working under the canopy and in the field. The sky is partly cloudy.

Three people are working in a large, recently plowed field. One person is standing, and two are bent over, engaging with the soil. A building and several leafless trees are visible in the background under an overcast sky.

A person is working on a laptop connected to electronic equipment outdoors, under a green canopy. The setting is a grassy field.

UW College of the Environment@uwenvironment· Mar 18

Researchers tracked ravens and wolves in Yellowstone National Park for 2.5 years to show that ravens do not follow wolves to scavenge their prey but instead remember where wolves often kill and monitor these sites for fresh meat. https://bit.ly/3NcRcIV @uwnews.uw.edu @science.org

A group of wolves walking in single file across a snowy landscape, followed by two birds flying nearby.

A black raven perched on a wooden post, with an open beak as if cawing. The background features a wide, open landscape with sparse trees and patches of snow on distant hills.

A wolf stands near a carcass on a snowy landscape, surrounded by a flock of black and white birds. Sparse vegetation is visible, and a snow-covered hill rises in the background.

UW College of the Environment@uwenvironment· Mar 11

Forest managers in the eastern Cascades selectively thin forests to promote wildfire resilience. New UW research shows that the same process can also increase seasonal snowpack, providing some relief to drought-prone areas throughout central Washington. https://bit.ly/4uujG1B @uwnews.uw.edu

A person wearing a reflective vest and gloves adjusts equipment on a tripod in a snowy, tree-lined landscape.

Two people are examining something in the snow in a snowy, wooded area. They are both wearing colorful winter clothing and backpacks.

A person in a winter landscape crouches on a snow-covered ground beside a large drone on an orange and black launch pad. Snow-laden trees are in the background. The individual is wearing warm clothing, and the drone has multiple rotors.

UW College of the Environment@uwenvironment· Mar 6

Congratulations to Dale Durran, professor of atmospheric and climate science, who has been named a 2026 NVIDIA Research Faculty Fellow. https://bit.ly/4soXJyY

UW College of the Environment@uwenvironment· Feb 26

Deborah Kelley has received the 2026 Wallace S. Broecker Medal from @tosoceanography.bsky.social. This honor recognizes her significant contributions to marine geoscience and chemical oceanography, leadership in research and commitment to education and mentorship. https://bit.ly/4kVmnEV