Staff
Click on the photos below to learn more about our staff. If you’d like to talk to us directly you can send an email here or call 206-221-6893.
Julia K. Parrish
Julia K. Parrish
As Executive Director, Julia focuses at the intersection of communicating about the great science (natural and social) COASST does, managing our people resources, and writing that next grant that keeps the office vibrant. Want to explore how you can help COASST sustain great science and expand our programming? Contact Julia.
Julia started her academic career as a starving artist, only dimly aware of organismal biology and natural history. However, as art is more difficult than science (!), Julia found herself (while still an undergrad) immersed in marine biology as a visiting student at the Duke University Marine Lab. Since then, it’s been science all the way. After coming to the University of Washington in 1990, Julia discovered conservation in the way that most field biologists do, by watching the organisms and habitats she had been working on, and in, disappear and degrade as a consequence of inadvertent human activities. At the same time, Julia met many people who were watching local resources and ecosystems change, and wondering what to do about it. These experiences led her to create a program for citizens with a strong component of marine conservation, a foundation of basic science, and a healthy dose of enthusiastic teaching and outreach—the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team.
Jackie Lindsey
Jackie Lindsey
As Science Coordinator, Jackie interfaces directly with all of our data users, and science and resource management partners. She is also continuously refining the marine debris module, managing the day-to-day science of the beached bird module, and working with our IT partners to keep our database and data entry portal running smoothly. Want to explore using COASST data, or partnering with COASST on a project? Give Jackie a shout!
Jackie joined COASST in October 2017 as Participant Coordinator, and shifted roles to Science Coordinator in August 2020. While completing her Master’s degree in marine vertebrate ecology at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, Jackie managed a citizen science survey program called BeachCOMBERS. She is excited to bring that experience back to the UW–where she did her undergraduate work–and COASST’s citizen science team. Some of Jackie’s favorite non-research activities include dancing with her daughter and spending time outside (no matter the weather).
Allie Brown
Allie Brown
As Participant Coordinator, Allie sets up trainings, refreshers, and other COASST events; works through the start-up processes personally with each new participant; and keeps the COASST internship program soaring. In a spare moment you might also find Allie editing our newsletters and blog posts to keep everyone up-to-date. If you have a questions about your survey data, your partners, your beach coverage, or COASST supplies – call Allie!
Allie joined COASST in June 2023. She has worked in environmental and wilderness fields for over a decade, and holds a Master’s degree in Marine and Environmental Affairs from the University of Washington. Outside of COASST Allie can be found biking through the beautiful mountains of the Pacific Northwest, or writing nature stories for children.
Charlie Wright
Charlie Wright
Our beached bird verifier, Charlie is the acknowledged expert on marine birds (and, well, any bird) and his work includes examining each and every dead bird photo a participant submits in our program, comparing it to the datasheet, and coming up with a definitive species ID. Wondering whether you’ve got it right? Send a note to Charlie!
For Charlie, looking at beached birds day in and day out is anything but morbid: through this unconventional window into what’s going on in the world of seabirds, he enjoys seeing the comings and goings of the seasons, and is always on the lookout for an unusual or interesting pattern. These same rewards drew him to a pastime of birding, that has always guided his way. Watching new COASSTers pick up (and master!) beached bird ID and offering help along the way is another rewarding part of being the data verifier. The natural ebb and flow of verification work also allows him to indulge in live birds full time in the summers, often engaging in biological research with his wife in Alaska.
Tim Jones
Tim Jones
Tim spends his workdays exploring patterns in the COASST dataset. When not steeped in modeling or statistical analysis, or working with partner scientists from across the West Coast, Tim keeps the interactive data apps on the website humming.
Tim is a quantitative ecologist who has spent the last few years investigating patterns in beaching rates of seabirds throughout the lower 48 and Alaska to understand how changes, particularly seabird mass mortality events or ‘wrecks’, are connected to climate variability and its effects on seabird prey, viewed through the lens of ocean physics and coastal circulation patterns. Drawing on his background in physics, marine ecology and statistics, Tim likes to approach each problem from a range of perspectives to uncover the most likely cause of patterns. Originally from the UK, Tim came to COASST via New Zealand where he completed his PhD in marine biology. In his spare time, Tim can be found biking, hiking or hanging out with his dog Freya.
Jazzmine Waugh
Jazzmine Waugh
A PhD graduate student in the Biology Department, Jazzmine is working on a range of projects tied to the long-term COASST database. With an interest in how environmental factors – like a warmer ocean, El Niño or an especially stormy winter – can affect marine bird mortality, Jazzmine is using the COASST database to understand what forces affect seabird populations.
Jazzmine joined COASST in September 2017 as a biology PhD student. She received her bachelor’s degree in organismal biology from Portland State University after completing a thesis on nest site choice in spotted towhees. She is interested in the intersection between seabird populations, marine pollution, and climate change. She is one of the coordinators of the “Seabird soirée” literature discussions and talks that are hosted at the University of Washington and open to the public. In her free time, she enjoys working on logic puzzles, listening to science podcasts, and reading mystery novels.
Contact Us
Interns
COASST interns work behind the scenes to keep the program humming. When they aren’t helping out in the lab or at the beach, most interns are working to complete their undergraduate coursework at the University of Washington.
Olivia Anderson
Olivia Anderson
Major: Marine Biology
Hometown: Kodiak, AK
Favorite Beach: Fossil Beach, Kodiak
Favorite Treat: Blueberries
Number One Driving Song: Casio by Jungle
Lindsey Austin
Lindsey Austin
Major: ESRM
Hometown: Shoreline, WA
Favorite Beach: Cannon Beach, OR
Favorite Treat: Ice Cream
Spencer Bandy
Spencer Bandy
Major: Marine Biology
Favorite Road Trip Song: Cruel Angel’s Thesis
Favorite Beach: Steep Ravine. Close to Stinson beach, but rockier and more secluded. The area has massive king tides that roll back the water so far you can hunt for urchins in the rocks.
Michelle Braun
Michelle Braun
Major: EEC Biology
Superpower?: Being able to ollie (imagined for now)
Number One Driving Song: Love Letters – Pigeon Pit
Favorite Beach: Pigeon Creek Beach in Everett
Camille Cube
Camille Cube
Major: ESRM
Favorite Beach: Mukilteo
Number One Driving Song: On the Road Again
Superpower: My dream superpower would be to talk to animals!
Sofia Denkovski
Sofia Denkovski
Major: Marine Biology & minor in Arctic Studies
Superpower?: Staying positive
Number One Driving Song: “Go Outside” by Cults
Favorite Beach: Carmel Beach in Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA
Emma Duckworth
Emma Duckworth
Major: Marine Biology
Favorite bird: sandpiper
Hobbies: photography, hiking
Braden Hisaw
Braden Hisaw
Major: Marine Biology + Atmospheric Science
Superpower?: Waterbending
Favorite Road Trip Song: Don’t Stop The Music – Rihanna
Favorite Beach: Cannon Beach
Cass Kay
Cass Kay
Major: Marine Biology, ESS Geoscience option
Superpower?: Can dab with my legs
Number One Driving Song: I’m Still Standing by Elton John
Favorite Beach: Lake Tahoe! Bring shoes, though, the sand is course!
Jenna Leverich
Jenna Leverich
Major: Marine Biology
Superpower?: I can read a full book in one day!
Favorite Road Trip Song: Kilby Girl – The Backseat Lovers
Favorite Beach: Cannon Beach, OR
Tyajah Stackpole
Tyajah Stackpole
Major: Marine Biology
Superpower?: Insomnia
Number One Driving Song: Parachute – Without You
Favorite Beach: Cape Disappointment
Yutong Sun
Yutong Sun
Major: ESRM and Biology (Minor in Dance)
Superpower?: Mindreading!
Number One Driving Song: Take Me Home Country Roads
Favorite Beach: Alki Beach
Advisors
The COASST Advisory Board is composed of resource managers, education researchers, citizen science experts, and COASSTers who provide advice and expertise.
Heidi Ballard
Heidi Ballard
Heidi is an Associate Professor at UC Davis who is interested in environmental education that links communities, science, environmental action and learners of all ages. She is particularly interested in what and how people learn through public participation in scientific research (PPSR) as a form of informal science education to ultimately better conservation and natural resource management. Heidi is interested in COASST because it takes advantage of large spatial and temporal datasets, and is also completely intimate, localized, and hands-on in terms of training and working with volunteers, keeping people informed and excited, and making sure everyone knows the results of their efforts.
Carol Bernthal
Carol Bernthal
Carol is the Superintendent of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary (OCNMS). Her responsibilities at the sanctuary include all aspects of management of the site and staff, policy development, interaction with the Olympic Coast Sanctuary Advisory Council, working with local, state, federal agencies and tribes, and serving as a member of the National Marine Sanctuary Programs’ Leadership Team. OCNMS has been a key partner in COASST since its inception, providing volunteer management on the outer coast and Strait of Juan de Fuca. Carol has also served as a COASST volunteer, surveying a beach in Admiralty Inlet region as a way to remember that nature isn’t what you find on a computer or at meetings!
Lauren Divine
Lauren Divine
Lauren is the director for the Aleut Community of St. Paul Island- Ecosystem Conservation Office. Her work focuses on subsistence resource management issues, scientific research, and education and outreach. Lauren is currently involved in the expansion of the BeringWatch program, a grassroots environmental monitoring framework that enables Alaskan Tribes to take more control and have a voice in climate change science and environmental monitoring in rural Alaskan communities. The BeringWatch program adopted COASST protocols for seabird monitoring as seabirds are such a critical component of the Pribilof marine ecosystem in serving as ecosystem indicators, and are a culturally important subsistence resource. Lauren is a COASST volunteer in St. Paul, Alaska, one of the earliest participating communities of COASST!
Kurt Eilo
Kurt Eilo
Kurt currently serves as the Executive Director of the Alaska Forum, a non-profit organization that hosts and coordinates the annual Alaska Forum on the Environment Conference. The mission of Alaska Forum is to promote a healthy environment through communication and education by conducting several grant projects including rural Solid Waste management training and the Environmental Technician Apprenticeship program. Kurt worked with the EPA from 1988 to 2003 as the Hazardous Waste Coordinator, enforcement and federal liaison for the Anchorage office.
Dawn Goley
Dawn Goley
Dawn is the Coordinator for the Marine Mammal Stranding Response in Northern California, a Professor at Humboldt State University, and the Director of the Marine Mammal Education and Research Program. Currently, her research includes the population dynamics of Steller’s Sea Lions (in collaboration with the National Marine Mammal Laboratory) and interactions of seabirds and pinnipeds on local rookeries (Common Murres and Stellers sea lions primarily). She is also actively engaged in studying the marine mammals that strand along the coast.
Selina Heppell
Selina Heppell
Selina is an Associate Professor and Associate Department Head in the Fisheries and Wildlife Department at Oregon State University. She is a fisheries ecologist and conservation biologist who is a long-time supporter of collaborative research and outreach, working with fishermen and coastal residents on critical natural resource issues. She loves the beach and fishes for fun on the Oregon coast with her husband, Scott, and their son, Dylan.
Jan Hodder
Jan Hodder
Jan is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Oregon’s Institute of Marine Biology. She has researched various aspects of marine bird and mammal biology. Jan also directs several projects that provide rigorous professional development opportunities in the ocean sciences for community college faculty and students.
Sherry Lippiatt
Sherry Lippiatt
Sherry is the California Regional Coordinator for the NOAA Marine Debris Program (MDP), and monitors regional research, removal, and prevention projects and serves as a resource for the marine debris community within the state. Sherry also leads the NOAA Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project (MD-MAP), through which the MDP has established a network of marine debris monitoring partners that are applying methods and tools developed by NOAA. With COASST’s addition of a marine debris module, Sherry serves on the advisory board to provide input on protocols and help build partnerships between COASST and other marine debris researchers.
Kate Litle
Kate Litle
Kate is the Assistant Director for Programs at Washington Sea Grant. Prior to this position, she was the Program Coordinator of COASST for five years. She currently works with engaging scientists, natural resource managers, citizen science groups and other interested parties in developing a working definition of citizen science and identifying criteria for the effective use of citizen science in research and management efforts.
Nick Mallos
Nick Mallos
Nick is Director of Ocean Conservancy’s Trash Free Seas Program. He oversees a portfolio of work including an ocean plastics campaign, the International Coastal Cleanup, and the Trash Free Seas Alliance. Nick has conducted marine debris research around the world, including field expeditions to the North Pacific Gyre and Midway Atoll. He is interested in informing global perspectives on debris with the data and information collected through COASST’s extensive network of citizen scientists.
Nancy Messmer
Nancy Messmer
Nancy is an avid COASSTer and proud citizen science participant, surveying three beaches on the western Strait of Juan de Fuca and one beach on the Northwest coast of Washington. From her PhD studies in computer technologies, innovation, and professional development to her current work with large scale volunteer efforts, Nancy immerses herself personally in active local work, connecting work needs with committed workers. She is involved in many organizations, including Washington Clean Coast Alliance, the Pacific Rim Earth Day Beach Clean Up, Friends of Hoko River State Park, and Lions Club International environmental projects.
Paul Parker
Paul Parker
Paul is a retired forester from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. He was born and raised on the Makah reservation, where he worked for 18 years, served on various tribal committees, and currently serves as a board member at the Makah Cultural and Resource Center. As an avid volunteer with COASST, Paul provides the advisory board with insight on the volunteer experience out in the field. He also enjoys hiking, fishing and traveling.
Tina Phillips
Tina Phillips
Tina is the Evaluation Program Manager at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (CLO), and Project Leader for DEVISE, an NSF-funded project that aims to support PPSR practitioners in developing and implementing contextually appropriate evaluation designs and strategies. Tina is currently pursuing her PhD at Cornell examining the relationship between citizen scientists’ participation and outcomes related to knowledge, skills, and behavior. She is extremely interested in understanding how COASST influences participants’ perceptions of science and their role in it.
Shawn Rowe
Shawn Rowe
Shawn is an Associate Professor in STEM Education at Oregon State University with a background in applied linguistics (that is, studying how humans learn languages) and developmental psychology in education. His work with COASST has supported research projects that examine learning outcomes for citizen science training modules.
Daniel Ravenel
Daniel Ravenel
Daniel is the Wildlife Section Manager for the Quinault Indian Nation where he is currently managing research projects of large terrestrial mammals of the northwest. He has been involved with the COASST program since 2008 and currently monitors 2 beautiful beaches on the Quinault Indian Reservation. The tribe has always seen themselves as stewards of the land and much of the traditional ways of life rely on coastal subsistence living. Being involved in COASST allows the tribe to monitor near shore marine ecosystems health and continue a traditional way of life.
Heather Renner
Heather Renner
Heather leads the large biological program at the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge (US Fish and Wildlife Service). The Refuge is far-flung across most of the coast of Alaska, supports 80% of Alaska’s seabirds and has a long-term seabird monitoring program dating back to the 1970’s. Heather and other AMNWR staff conduct summertime COASST surveys at annual seabird monitoring sites around the coast of Alaska.
Jonathan Scordino
Jonathan Scordino
Jon is the Marine Mammal Biologist with the Makah Tribe. He protects the tribe’s treaty rights, as well as researches the whales and sea lions around the coast of the Makah Reservation. Jon studied fisheries at the University of Washington and wildlife science at Oregon State University for a master’s degree. At OSU, he studied the movements, population counts, and survival of Steller sea lions of Northern California/Southern Oregon’s breeding populations.
William Tweit
William Tweit
Bill is a Special Assistant to the Director for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). His focus areas at the Department include Columbia River fisheries, hydroelectric power and water flows; invasive species prevention and control; managing the fisheries of the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea; and developing citizen science initiatives. Before working in natural resources policy, he was a salmon biologist for two Puget Sound tribes and WDFW. In his free time, he is an avid birdwatcher, with a particular love for marine birds. His first beached bird census was in 1975 at Westport, Washington.
Francis Wiese
Francis Wiese
Francis is Stantec’s Technical Leader for Marine Science in Canada and Alaska. He was formerly the Science Director for the North Pacific Research Board in Alaska for 6 years and served on the Chukchi-Beaufort Ecosystem Collaboration Team of the Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee. Francis has worked for and with academia, government, non-profits and industry, is a technical reviewer for over 20 international journals and has served on a variety of national and internal science panels and working groups
Participants
COASST participants do not have to have years of scientific education, nor do they need to be bird or marine debris experts. In fact, what unites COASSTers is a strong affinity for the coastal environment.
Ranging in age from eight to over eighty, COASSTers in the lower 48 tend to be retired, but also encompass a diversity of jobs, from tribal biologists to teachers to artists. In Alaska, the age of our participants is a bit younger, perhaps reflecting the fact that hardly anybody retires to coastal Alaska! Instead, relatively more Alaskan COASSTers work for national parks, wildlife refuges, and tribal governments.
After only one 6-hour training session, you can become a COASSTer, too. COASSTers sign a ‘contract’ pledging to survey their beach every month—an acknowledgment that COASST data are most valuable when regularly collected. And the COASST office pledges to put all of the data together, decipher the patterns across the entire COASST range, and give that information back out to COASSTers, and the communities, in the form of our e-newsletters, our Science Updates following each scientific publication, and our website.
Bitten by the bug for beach combing and wondering about what’s happening to the local marine resources in your area? For more information about how to become a COASST participant, please see our Join Our Team page.