Bio

Drew Burke is a second year graduate student at Western Washington University studying wetland ecology under the guidance of Dr. John Rybczyk. Growing up in San Diego, Drew spent most of his childhood exploring the wonders of nature and getting inspired by the diversity of life surrounding the local creeks and ponds. Weekly family hikes and road trips to national parks inspired Drew to learn more about the natural world through environmental science classes and clubs during grade school. Drew attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, pursuing a degree in environmental management and protection, in hopes to find a career that leaves a positive environmental impact. While at Cal Poly, Drew found a knack for botany and joined a research project studying alpine plants in Yosemite National Park. Botanical research was Drew’s dream come true, translating his passion for plants into data and research that could be useful. After his undergrad, Drew worked seasonally and travelled the world doing what he loves; slacklining, juggling and riding bikes. Drew met his wife six years ago and they enjoy life in Bellingham with their big, fluffy cat Gus.

Drew’s research interests broadly center on plants and their responses to environmental change. His current research examines revegetation patterns in a newly restored tidal marsh, with an interest in understanding where plant communities establish and develop following restoration. Using the data Drew collected this summer, he plans to develop a model that can predict where vegetation will develop at the restoration site. In collaboration with the Stillaguamish Tribe, Drew hopes that this predictive model can be a useful tool for their natural resource management.

Learn About Drew’s Research Project