The NW CASC is pleased to share the National CASC’s announcement that applications are now being accepted to host the Alaska, Northwest and Southeast CASCs—an information session about this opportunity will take place on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at 12 PM PT and the deadline for proposals is March 14, 2023.
Applications Now Open: 2023 Science to Action Fellowship Program
Applications are now being accepted for the 2023 National CASC Science to Action Fellowship program, which supports graduate students from CASC consortium institutions in developing a product that applies scientific research related to climate change impacts on fish, wildlife, or ecosystems to decision making about natural resources. During the fellowship year and beyond, Fellows benefit from collaborations with university and USGS mentors, from interactions with other colleagues and partners of USGS, and from exposure to high priority, real-world challenges in the natural resources policy arena. This opportunity is open to master’s or doctoral students at any CASC Consortium Institutions who will be students for the entire fellowship year. Statements of Interest are due January 19, 2023.
Upcoming NW CASC Webinar: Transforming Academic Promotion & Surviving in the Academic System as an Action Scientist
In NW CASC’s upcoming actionable science webinar, Dr. Jessica Hellmann, Consortium Director of the Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center, Executive Director of the Institute on the Environment at the University of Minnesota, and co-author of The Guidebook for the Engaged University, will discuss university promotion systems and how they can encourage researchers to use engaged scholarship to address society’s big challenges. She’ll also discuss techniques for making a successful case for promotion by an action scientist in an evolving landscape of higher education.
ORISE Research Opportunity Available Through North Central & Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Centers
An ORISE research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) through the North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center (NC CASC) and the Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (NW CASC), supporting their work producing science to inform on-the-ground climate adaptation planning by natural and cultural resource managers. This position will be responsible for conducting stakeholder engagement across Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Wyoming and the Dakotas in support of five separate USGS projects examining the eco-hydrologic impacts of climate change. The selected candidate will report to the NC CASC, located in Boulder, Colorado. The candidate can report remotely, though preference will be given to candidates located in, or willing to relocate to, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Oregon or Washington.
This is a full-time, two-year position, which may be extended for up to four more years upon recommendation of USGS and the availability of funds. Eligible applicants must have received a master’s degree or doctoral degree within the last 24 months or anticipate receiving their degree by 5/31/2023. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the deadline to apply is January 2, 2023.
UW Climate Impacts Group is Hiring a Research Science to Focus on Hydrology
The UW Climate Impacts Group (CIG) is hiring a new, full-time Research Scientist with a focus on hydrologic change in the northwestern U.S. The Research Scientist will work with CIG’s lead scientists to co-produce applied research, synthesize literature and engage with partners on climate impacts and adaptation related to hydrologic change in the region.
UW Climate Impacts Group is Hiring a Research Scientist to Focus on Ecosystems & Invasive Species
The UW Climate Impacts Group is hiring a new, full-time Research Scientist with a focus on ecosystems and invasive species. The Research Scientist will support co-produced research and synthesis projects led by the Climate Impacts Group’s senior scientists and work with the Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center to coordinate the Northwest Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change Network. Application review will begin on November 8, 2022.
Explore NW CASC’s New Set of Projects Focused on Invasives, Shrublands & Ecological Transformation
USGS-directed research funding, administered by the federal side of the NW CASC’s federal-university partnership, supports a portfolio of regional climate adaptation projects each year. Like all of the research the NW CASC supports, these projects align with research priorities outlined in our five-year Science Agenda, developed through collaboration between regional natural resource managers and scientists.
These new projects, which are launching this fall, focus on managing invasive species and disease under future climate scenarios; managing shrubland ecosystems under future climate scenarios; and managing climate-driven, post-fire ecological transformation.
Anticipating Climate-Driven Spread and Impact of Multiple Interacting Invasive Species in the Columbia River Basin
Principal Investigator: Julian Olden, University of Washington
Co-Investigators: Josh Lawler, University of Washington | Julie Heinrichs, Computational Ecology Group
Incorporating Climate, Disease and Invasive Species Into the Conservation of a First Food, Klamath Redband Trout
Principal Investigator: Jonathan Armstrong, Oregon State University
Co-Investigators: Jerri Bartholomew, Julie Alexander & Melanie Davis, Oregon State University | Alex Gonyaw, Klamath Tribes
Integrating Economics and Ecology to Inform Climate-Ready Aquatic Invasive Species Management for Vulnerable Willamette Basin Communities
Principal Investigators: Braeden Van Deynze & Sunny Jardine, University of Washington
Co-Investigators: Samuel Chan, Oregon State Extension Sea Grant | Rebecca Flitcroft, U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station
Native and Invasive Bivalves in the Pacific Northwest: Co-Occurrence, Habitat Associations and Potential Competition in the Face of Climate Change
Principal Investigator: Stephen Bollens, Washington State University
Co-Investigators: Tim Counihan & Steven Waste, U.S. Geological Survey | Gretchen Rollwagen-Bollens, Washington State University | Alexa Maine, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
The Influence of Climate Change on the Vulnerability of At-Risk Amphibians to Disease and Invasive Species in the Northwest
Principal Investigator: Jonah Piovia-Scott, Washington State University
Co-Investigator: Caren Goldberg, Washington State University
Trajectories of Change: How Climate, Wildfire, and Management Drive Shrubland Ecosystem Transitions
Principal Investigator: Lisa Ellsworth, Oregon State University
Co-Investigators: Dominique Bachelet & Robert Kennedy, Oregon State University | Beth Newingham, U.S.D.A. Agricultural Research Service
Climate Adaptability and Ecological Connectivity of Wildlife Communities in Multi-Use Sagebrush-Steppe Landscapes
Principal Investigator: Steven Woodley, Washington State University
Co-Investigators: Daniel Thornton & Lisa Shipley, Washington State University
A Multi-Scale Decision Support Platform for Adaptive Management of Post-Fire Landscapes in the Inland Northwest
Principal Investigators: Arjan Meddens & Michelle Steen-Adams, Washington State University
Co-Investigators: Amanda Stahl & Robert Andrus, Washington State University
From Water to Wildlife: Linking Water Timing and Availability to Meadows and Wildlife in a Changing Climate
Principal Investigator: Rebecca McCaffery, U.S. Geological Survey Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
Co-Investigators: Roy Sando, Meghan Halabisky, Lauren Zinsser, Tabitha Graves & David Selkowitz, U.S. Geological Survey
Faces of Adaptation: Meet Amelia Marchand
Amelia Marchand is the NW CASC’s Tribal Liaison through the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI). Amelia has 24 years working in the cultural and natural resource fields. Her professional work and personal experiences have increased her dedication to Indigenous rights, environmental justice and the implementation of socially equitable solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation that not only honor values of community and reciprocity, but also heal wounds from intergenerational trauma and institutional colonialism. Her role with the NW CASC is to engage with Tribal governments and NGOs in the region to identify needs and opportunities related to climate change, adaptation and resilience that advance Tribal sovereignty and self-determination.
Amelia received a bachelor’s degree in anthropology with a minor in American Indian studies from Eastern Washington University and a master’s degree in environmental law and policy from Vermont Law School. As a citizen of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation with diverse heritage, she enjoys dedicating her free time to her family, friends and the numerous Indigenous and environmental conservation nonprofits she serves and supports.
What led you to work in the field of climate adaptation?
The short answer is: My children. I want my children to love, respect and experience the relationship we as Tribal citizens and Indigenous peoples have with the natural world and to help educate others about the values of those worldviews.
The long answer is: I’ve continually witnessed frequent climate-exacerbating events (like droughts, wildfire, windstorms and floods) impact my loved ones, cultural practices, Tribal community, environment and work. Evolving business-as-usual operations to include climate adaptation, mitigation and resilience remains critical to the effectiveness of protecting and supporting Tribal rights, sovereignty, Indigenous values, worldviews and ways of life.
What does your day-to-day work look like?
I advise NGOs, academics and government agency representatives to help plan climate adaptation and resilience events and trainings; bring together Tribal government leaders and technical staff to incorporate their values and priorities into projects; and try to educate others about the importance of Indigenous Science and Tribal Sovereignty. It’s a lot of meetings!
How does your work support climate resilience in the Northwest?
ATNI supports Tribes in our region by providing climate adaptation training, technical support, funding resources and forums to share information about climate impacts and resiliency actions. We are also implementing a Workforce Development Program with partners to support early-career interns who are Tribal citizens. The career pathways in this field are continuing to grow and we want to support capacity building as much as we can.
What is your favorite thing about your work?
I enjoy learning about projects Tribes are initiating to help strengthen their communities, but it is also very rewarding to see how many government agencies are taking their responsibilities to Tribes seriously and that many NGOs are willing to step up and offer their support and resources to Tribes too. However, my favorite thing is connecting with people who are newcomers to the field. Their energy and motivation keeps me moving forward!
Welcome 2022-23 Research Fellows!
We are thrilled to welcome our 2022-23 research fellows as they kick off their fellowship activities this fall! Our fellows represent each of our consortium universities and will be conducting research that aligns with the NW CASC science priorities and meets real-world climate adaptation needs.
The NW CASC Research Fellowship Program enables graduate students and postdocs from a variety of scientific backgrounds to develop decision-relevant science in collaboration with regional natural resource managers and decision-makers.
Bridget Bittmann | Boise State University
How is the Amount of Irrigation Water Draining to the Boise River Changing with Urbanization and Climate Change?
Advisor: Kendra Kaiser
Susan Bainbridge | Oregon State University
Drivers of Transformation in Sagebrush Steppe Ecosystems in a Changing World
Advisor: Lisa Ellsworth
Adam Sibley | Oregon State University
Mapping Patterns of Leaf Death Caused by the 2021 Heatwave in Pacific Northwest Forests
Advisor: Christopher Still
Spencer Vieira | University of Montana
Climate and Wildfire Effects on Post-Fire Regeneration of Western Larch
Advisors: Phil Higuera and Kim Davis
Svetlana Yegorova | University of Montana
Projecting Mid-21st Century Forest Type Distribution in Oregon for Climate-Informed Management
Advisor: Solomon Dobrowski
Kaysee Arrowsmith | University of Washington
Mapping the Effects of Climate Change on Plant-Pollinator Communities
Advisor: Berry Brosi
Casey Duncan | University of Washington
How can Groundwater Storage Restoration Enhance Coldwater availability in the Teanaway River Basin?
Advisor: Phil Levin
Rachel Fricke | University of Washington
Revealing Human Pathways for Aquatic Invasive Species Using Mobile Technology
Advisor: Julian Olden
Jenna Morris | University of Washington
How will Western Cascadia Forests Recover Following Fire? Using Simulation Modeling to Inform Management Options in a Changing Climate
Advisor: Brian Harvey
Aaron Pelly | Washington State University
Can Aquatic Plant Removal Alleviate the Effects of Climate Change on Migrating Salmon and Trout in a Lowland River?
Advisor: Sarah Roley
Kristen Carlson | Western Washington University
Assessing the Impact of Forest Harvest Scenarios on Streamflows in the Nooksack River Basin
Advisor: Robert Mitchell
NW CASC Welcomes New Deputy University Director!
The Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (NW CASC) is excited to welcome Dr. Scott Kalafatis to our team as our new deputy university director! Scott is a social scientist with a research background focused on understanding collaborations between scientists and policymakers and how these engagements contribute to decisions informed by climate science.
Scott joins the NW CASC most recently from Chatham University, where he has been an assistant professor of sustainability. Prior to his time at Chatham, Scott had over ten years of experience working as a social scientist, including positions at the Great Lakes Integrated Sciences and Assessments (GLISA), as a National Science Foundation ethical STEM postdoctoral researcher with the College of Menominee Nation, and as an assistant professor of sustainability at Dickinson College. Scott received a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Virginia and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning, Master of Science in environmental policy and Doctorate in resource policy and behavior from the University of Michigan. When he’s not in the office or crammed in a box on Zoom, Scott can be found exploring the coastline or forests or searching for new, delicious foods to try.
Scott’s social science expertise is a great addition to our team and we are confident that Scott’s rigorous scholarship, his enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring, and his dedication to working collaboratively and inclusively at the interface of climate science and practice will help expand the reach and impact of the NW CASC!
Please help us welcome Scott! Scott’s email address is: scottkal@uw.edu.