Whaleback Lighthouse view from the rocky shore of Odiorne State Park in Rye, NH. Photo: Jane Holiday
I am so excited to join the Crab Team as a graduate student assistant! My background in environmental education, community science, and invasive species monitoring has prepared me well for the responsibilities of the role. I am also an avid tidepooler and ocean lover currently getting SCUBA certified so I can get even closer to the species I love so much.
My Background
I grew up in rural New Hampshire and was fortunate to spend my childhood surrounded by nature. I grew up with a deep appreciation for the outdoors but it wasn’t until college that I found a passion for marine science and science communication. In my senior year, I had an internship at the Seacoast Science Center (SSC) in Rye, New Hampshire. As the Community Science Engagement Intern, I conducted European green crab surveys, beach walks, and daily visitor service programs. My experience here was eye opening. It was the first time I had the opportunity to work alongside marine biologists, aquarists, naturalists, divers, and other nature loving people who use research and education to spread awareness and contribute positively to the future of our blue planet. After my internship, I made myself a personal and professional commitment to understand and protect natural spaces and the species that inhabit them. Community relationships with nature are critical. I learned this at the SSC and vowed to use my knowledge to develop and enhance these relationships.
After graduating from the University of New Hampshire in November of 2021, I moved to the Pacific Northwest where I became a Rocky Shore Interpreter for the Haystack Rock Awareness Program and later on became an Owl Biologist contracted under the US Forest Service. Since moving to Seattle last year, I have been a volunteer for Sea Grant doing Molt Search surveys and for Puget Soundkeeper looking at pre-spawn mortality rates from Urban Mortality Runoff Syndrome in salmon. Most recently I completed my WA State Naturalist Certification through Washington State University where I partnered with Great Peninsula Conservancy to collaborate on school field trips focused on salmon, stream bugs, and water quality.
Looking ahead, I am excited to complete my SCUBA certification this July and start my masters at the University of Washington in the School of Marine and Environmental Affairs this fall. Post grad, I hope to utilize my degree to make a positive impact on local communities through engagement, field work, and policy.
First day as a Rocky Shore Interpreter. Photo: Haystack Rock Awareness Program
What Brings Me to Crab Team
After being in New England and seeing the devastating effects of the European green crab on local ecosystems and communities, I knew I had to contribute to the monitoring and prevention efforts of the Sea Grant Crab Team to protect the Salish Sea from this invasive species. Being on the Crab Team allows me to utilize my background in participatory science and field work while continuing to learn about the challenges our coastal ecosystems face and how to solve them. I am excited to be a part of the team and look forward to meeting some more crabby people!
– Jane Holiday