Caroline Gibson scholars showcased at Salish Sea Scholars Symposium
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Protecting the Salish Sea is a labor of love. For decades, Caroline Gibson served as a tireless champion for the coastal ecosystems that define this region, and her legacy lives on through the Northwest Straits Foundation’s Caroline Gibson Scholarship. Today, 14 students in marine science and communications are honoring her memory by growing as scholars and professionals.
The Caroline Gibson scholars and their supporters are building what NWSF Executive Director Don Hunger calls a “sphere of hope.” The NWSF weaves the scholars into a broader professional network of prior awardees and seasoned conservationists. It’s a commitment to nurture the next generation of marine leaders, ensuring that Gibson’s vital work to protect the Salish Sea and encourage young scientists continues.
Reception and symposium
Marine science can be a lonely field. Graduate students are often siloed within their specific programs or labs until they are well into their careers and presenting at conferences or publishing papers. The NWSF is breaking those walls through two annual gatherings and through assigned mentors, because support from colleagues will help relieve some of the growing pains of post-graduate work.
Each fall, the “Scholar’s Reception” introduces the new cohort and awardees present their upcoming projects within a supportive community. Later in the year, the “Salish Sea Scholar’s Symposium” brings together past and present Caroline Gibson scholars to share new findings and network. It’s a rare bridge between those just beginning their professional journeys and young professionals making waves in the field.
Chris Mantegna, University of Washington, 2025 cohort
Chris Mantegna saw an opportunity to multiply the scholarship’s effect. Mantegna used her award to sponsor six of her undergraduate interns to attend a conference in Atlanta, Georgia, and present their shared work. “All six of those interns had not only never presented before but had not had a chance to be at a conference,” she said.
Together, they shared findings on environmental DNA markers they found on Yellow Island, a nature preserve near San Juan Island. “It’s the most unique island in the entire archipelago because it has been curated as a First Nations garden,” Mantegna said.
Her work helps scientists to quickly pinpoint contaminants that affect shellfish. While traditional testing can take up to 90 days, Mategna’s genetic markers could pinpoint causes of death in a matter of hours.
Mary Margaret Stoll, University of Washington, 2022 cohort
As the chair of the scholarship committee, Mary Margaret Stoll represents the scholarship’s goal to create long-term positive effects for the Salish Sea. Today, she is a postdoctoral scholar at the UW CICOES in collaboration with the NOAA PMEL.
Stoll’s work contributes to the understanding of ocean acidification, which makes it harder for shellfish like oysters and crabs to build effective shells. By identifying how the carbon cycle works in our local waters, her research provides insight into regional climate policy, and even other Caroline Gibson Scholars, like Isaac Olson.
Isaac Olson, University of Washington, 2025 cohort
Isaac Olson, a master’s student in the UW School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, is working to bridge the communication gap between scientists and the public to make communicating about ocean acidification easier.
“We have such a large cultural reliance on shellfish and other creatures that are reliant on shellfish … anything that weakens those industries is going to be a really big deal,” said Olson.
Olson’s work takes him to regional aquariums to study how visitors interact with climate science. He has noticed that many institutions shy away from ocean acidification because it can be a complicated topic. Isaac is working towards effective toolkits for science communicators to reach the broader community, an important step for lasting change.
Short-term support, long-term benefits
The Caroline Gibson Scholarship program invests in the next generation of marine scientists and stewards. It goes beyond financial support and fosters a broader, more lasting impact through the work of individuals dedicated to protecting the Salish Sea.
The true return on investment comes from the tidepools of Yellow Island, NOAA offices, aquariums and beyond. The Caroline Gibson Scholars are the new guardians of our shared waters, like Caroline Gibson herself. Together, they safeguard a future where the Salish Sea thrives, thanks to the generosity of donors and their own relentless passion.
— By Alex Meacham
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• “Science denialism and the bright extinction of killer whales,” May 23, 2024