Current Biological Research

Our lab studies the role of marine mammals in their environment and their relationship to the management of protected areas.  Currently we are attempting to answer the following questions:

Does increased rockfish density in marine protected areas result in more predation by seals, sea lions and river otters in the San Juan Islands, USA?  To answer this question we are collecting data on:

• The abundance and distribution of harbor seals. SEE LOCATIONS OF SEALS (pdf).
• The diet of harbor seals, Steller sea lions and river otters.  SEE WHAT SEALS ARE EATING (pdf).
• The movements of harbor seals . SEE MOVEMENTS OF SEALS (pdf). (1.4 Mb file.)
• The dive behavior of harbor seals. SEE DIVE PROFILES OF SEALS (pdf).
• The seasonal variation in rockfish density. [Coming soon: See how abundant rockfish are.]
• The potential effect of predation by harbor seals, Steller sea lions and river otters on survivorship and population growth of rockfish. We will develop models to assess this potential impact.

Funded by the M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust, WWU and National Science Foundation (Award #0550443).  

What is the potential impact of the Bellingham waterfront development on the resident population of harbor seals?  To answer this question we are collecting data on:

• The seasonal variation in abundance and distribution of harbor seals.  SEE WHERE SEALS ARE LOCATED.
• The presence of harbor seals at the time of salmon runs.  SEE SEALS AND SALMON RUNS (pdf).
• The influence of day and night on the haul-out behavior of harbor seals.

Funded by Western Foundation and the North Cascades Audubon Society.

Do tourists in New Zealand comply with regulations to observe fur seals?  To answer this question we are collecting data on:

• The frequency with which tourists approach New Zealand fur seals.
• The short-term impact of tourist behavior on New Zealand fur seals.
• The biological cycle of the New Zealand fur seal at Ohau Point.

Learn more about this project and about our time in New Zealand on the sabbatical blogs.  

Recent Science Education Research

Along with collaborators and students in the Science, Mathematics and Technology Program (SMATE) we have undertaken the enrichment and education of K-12 pre-service teachers.

North Cascades and Olympic Peninsula Science Partnership 

We colaborated with elementary, middle and high school teachers and community college instructors to explore, create and implement innovative course content to improve teaching and learning in both K-12 and higher education in 26 school districts of Northwest Washington.

• Project led by George Nelson.
• My main contribution to this project was the development and teaching of a new curriculum for pre-service teachers. This curriculum helps students learn about the process of science and the transfer of matter and energy in living systems. See the syllabus for the course (pdf).
• To learn more about this project follow the link to NCOSP. 

Funded by Western Washington University and the National Science Foundation (Award #0315060).

Catalysts for Reform: A University - Schools Partnership in Northwestern Washington

We collaborated with elementary, middle and high school teachers and community college instructors to explore, create and implement innovative course content to improve teaching and learning in both K-12 and higher education in 26 school districts of Northwest Washington.

• Project led by Scott Linneman.
• We finished the project by teaching a graduate seminar to enhance the skill of TAs in communicating science to a different audiences. See the syllabus for the seminar (pdf).
• To learn more about this project follow the link to GK-12. 

Funded by Western Washington University and the National Science Foundation (Award #0338354).