Bio

Olivia Zimmerman is a master’s student at the University of Washington’s School of Marine and Environmental Affairs. She is also the managing editor for her program’s student-run publication called Currents. Olivia has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with an emphasis in environmental studies and English from Western Washington University. In her free time, she enjoys exploring Washington’s abundant mountains and beaches, reading, painting and trying to coax her dog into liking stand-up paddleboarding.

In recognition of a growing need for floodplain restoration in the face of climate change, Olivia’s research is focused on enhancing environmental justice within Washington State floodplain management. There has been an increased interest in the importance of effective floodplain management in recent years, but the perspectives and needs of Tribes have not often been prioritized. Using interviewing and qualitative research methodologies, Olivia is working in collaboration with a Washington State flood management and habitat restoration program to explore how the program meets Tribal needs and where it falls short. The goal of her research is to ask Tribal natural resource managers to define for themselves what is important to their community and how they can best be supported by flood management programs.

Learn more about Olivia’s research