Past Undergraduate Students
Bea Macagno
2026. Co-advised with Dr. Dietmar Schwarz. Current: Recent graduate.
Macagno, B., Shrader, L. & Otto, A. 2026. Spatial gradient instead of separate stocks? Population genetic structure of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) along WA coastlines. 29th Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy NW Student Chapter, Burnaby, Canada. Best Poster.
Luke Shrader
2026. Co-advised with Dr. Dietmar Schwarz. Current: Recent graduate.
Macagno, B., Shrader, L. & Otto, A. 2026. Spatial gradient instead of separate stocks? Population genetic structure of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) along WA coastlines. 29th Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy NW Student Chapter, Burnaby, Canada. Best Poster.
Anna Gilboard
2025-2026. Current: Recent graduate.
Gillboard, A. 2026. Spatiotemporal patterns of harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) pup strandings and their relationship to human activity in San Juan County, Washington. 29th Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy NW Student Chapter, Burnaby.
Siena Gorohoff
2025-2026. Current: Recent graduate.
Bentley, C. & Gorohoff, S. 2026. Sighting and stranding events of cetaceans in the Salish Sea. 29th Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy NW Student Chapter, Burnaby.
Chloe Bentley
2025-2026. Current: History major, Western Washington University.
Bentley, C. & Gorohoff, S. 2026. Sighting and stranding events of cetaceans in the Salish Sea. 29th Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy NW Student Chapter, Burnaby.
Camryn Sumrok
2025-2026. Current: Recent graduate.
Stonier, M. & Sumrok, C. 2026. Predictable prey pulses and predator aggregation: harbor seal responses to hatchery Chinook salmon smolt releases. 29th Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy NW Student Chapter, Burnaby, Canada
Ellie Taylor
2024-2026. Co-advised with Dr. Dietmar Schwarz. Current: Lab Technician, United States Geological Survey.
Little, D., Akmajian, A., Taylor, E., Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. & Schwarz, D. 2026. Investigating river otter predation on invasive European green crab within the estuaries of Makah Bay, Washington. 118th Annual Meeting of the National Shellfisheries Association, Portland.
Rachel Strober
2024-2025. Current: Recent graduate.
Strober, R., Vinecke, V., Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. & D’Agnese, E. 2026. eDNA-based sex identification of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) in Steller and California sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus & Zalophus californianus) scat. American Fisheries Society Washington–British Columbia Chapter and Washington Chapter of the Wildlife Society Joint 2026 Conference, Wenatchee.
Maren Duffy
2024-2025. Co-advised with Dr. Dietmar Schwarz. Current: Marine Mammal Technician, Colorado State University.
Duffy, M. & Recob, H. 2025. Sex ratios of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) haul-out sites in the Salish Sea. 28th Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy NW Student Chapter, Bellingham.
Haley Recob
2024-2025. Co-advised with Dr. Dietmar Schwarz.
Duffy, M. & Recob, H. 2025. Sex ratios of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) haul-out sites in the Salish Sea. 28th Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy NW Student Chapter, Bellingham.
Jack Mezzone
2024. Current: Medical student, University of Washington.
Gard, M. & Mezzone, J. 2024. Harbor seal response to the release of hatchery-raised Chinook salmon. 27th Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy NW Student Chapter, Seattle.
Olivia Balaban
2024. Co-advised with Dr. Dietmar Schwarz.
Balaban, O. 2024. Sex-specific trophic impacts of harbor seals in a Salish Sea ecosystem model. 27th Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy NW Student Chapter, Seattle.
Isabel Shier
2023-2024. Co-advised with Dr. Dietmar Schwarz. Current: Lab Technician, Oregon State University.
Shier, I., Mijares, M. & Otto, A. 2024. Using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to describe the genetic population structure of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) in Washington State. 27th Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy NW Student Chapter, Seattle. Best poster presentation.
Maya Mijares
2023-2024. Co-advised with Dr. Dietmar Schwarz. Current: PhD student, Oregon State University.
Mijares, M. 2024. One seal, two seal: using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to investigate the genetic population structure of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) in Washington State. Seminar Honors, WWU, Bellingham.
Jasper McCutcheon
2023-2024. Current: MSc student, Oregon State University.
McKutcheon, J., Bankhead, K. & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2025. The impact of in-air noise on the behavior of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) at the water’s surface. Canadian Journal of Zoology 103:1-14.
Kameran Rodriguez
2023.
Social behavior of foraging harbor seals in Bellingham, WA.
Holland Conwell
2021-2023. Co-advised with Dr. Dietmar Schwarz, Current: PhD student, University of California Riverside.
Conwell, H. C., Lewis, Z. K., Thomas, A., Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. & Schwarz, D. 2024. Sex-specific diet differences in harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) via spatial assortment. Ecology and Evolution 14: 11417.
MSc Madison Gard
2022-2023. Co-advised with Dr. Dietmar Schwarz, Current: PhD student, Lehigh University (MSc from University of Washington).
Brianna Hull
2023. After graduation: Port Sampling, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Foraging ecology of harbor seals in downtown Bellingham, WA.
Kate Clayton
2020-2022. After graduation: Biologist, Idaho Fish and Game.
McKeegan, K., Clayton, K., Williams, R., Ashe, E., Reiss, S., Mendez-Bye, A., Janik, V. M., Goetz, T., Zinkgraf, M. & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2024. The effect of a startle-eliciting device on the foraging success of individual harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). Scientific Reports 14: 3719.
MSc Kyra Bankhead
2020-2022. Current: PhD student, Oregon State University (MSc from Oregon State University).
Bankhead, K., Freeman, G., Heimbichner-Goebel, W. & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2023. Effects of anthropogenic noise on haul-out numbers of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). Canadian Journal of Zoology 101:720-728.
Delaney Adams
2019-2020. Current: MSc student, Western Washington University.
Adams, D. 2020. Do harbor seals hunt cooperatively? Seminar Honors (online), Western Washington University, Bellingham.
Helen Krueger
2019-2020. Current: MSc student, South Dakota State University.
Krueger, H. 2020. Investigating the microbial community associated with harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) haul-out sites in Whatcom Waterway, Bellingham, WA. Student Poster Presentation, Scholars’ Week (online), Western Washington University, Bellingham.
Madison McKay
2018-2019. Current: MSc student, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories.
McKay, M. 2019. Effects of sport fishing on harbor seal hunting success. 23rd Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy NW Student Chapter, Seattle.
Wyatt Heimbichner-Goebel
2018-2019. Current: MSc student, Western Washington University.
Bankhead, K., Freeman, G., Heimbichner-Goebel, W. & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2023. Effects of anthropogenic noise on haul-out numbers of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). Canadian Journal of Zoology 101:720-728.
Alisa Aist
2017-2019. Current: Fish and Wildlife Technician II, Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Aist, A. 2019. Attitudes towards harbors seal presence in downtown Bellingham, WA. 23rd Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy NW Student Chapter, Seattle.
MSc Kenna (McKenna) Pezzi (Newmarch)
2017-2018. Current: Operations Manager, Onda Origins. (MSc from Rochester Institute of Technology.)
Newmarch, M. 2018. Feeding success of harbor seals in relation to hunting technique at Whatcom Creek. 22nd Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy NW Student Chapter, Newport.
MMA Raven Benko
2016-2017. Current: Science Communicator, Smithsonian Institute. (MMA from University of Washington.)
Benko, R. 2017. Long-term monitoring reveals evidence of habituation to construction disturbance at a harbor seal haul-out site in Bellingham, WA. 21st Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy NW Student Chapter, Vancouver, Canada.
MSc Rachel Wachtendonk
2016-2017. Current: Environmental Planner, Solstice Alaska Consulting, Inc. (MSc from Universidade do Algarve.)
Wachtendonk, R., Matthews, E. & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2017. Are there rogue seals in Whatcom Creek? The potential impact of harbor seals on a local salmon hatchery. 22nd Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals, Halifax, Canada.
Daniel Woodrich
2015-2016. Current: Acoustic Analyst, The Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem Studies.
Woodrich, D. 2016. Effects of environmental variables on harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) occurrence at a seasonal foraging site in Bellingham, Washington. Student Poster Presentation, Scholars Week, Western Washington University, Bellingham, USA. Outstanding Award.
DVM Nicholas Wesen
2015. Current: Associate Veterinarian, Mauer Animal Clinic. (DVM from Washington State University.)
Seasonal variation of harbor seal occurrence in Bellingham.
Sara Spitzer
2014-2015. Co-advised with Dr. Dietmar Schwarz. After graduation: Associate Scientist, TwinStrand Biosciences.
Schwarz, D., Spitzer, S., Thomas, A., Kohnert, C., Keates, T. & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2018. Large-scale molecular diet analysis in a generalist marine mammal reveals male preference for prey of conservation concern. Ecology and Evolution 8:9889-9905.
Erin Matthews
2014-2015. After graduation: Fish Passage Coordinator 4, Washington Department of Transportation.
Freeman, G., Matthews, E., Stehr, E. & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2022. Individual variability in foraging success of a marine predator informs predator management. Scientific Reports 12: 11184.
MSc Ashlyn Teather
2014-2015. Current: Community Engagement Coordinator, NYC Department of Education.(MSc from University of Minnesota Duluth.)
Teather, A. & La Ferr, A. 2015. Long term effects of development on Phoca vitulina numbers in Bellingham, Washington. 19th Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy NW Student Chapter, Corvallis, USA.
RN Raquel Robayo-Krause
2013-2014. After graduation: Registered Nurse, Providence St Peter Hospital. (Nursing Degree from University of Washington.)
Robayo-Krause, R. & Matthews, E. 2014. Temporal variation in aggregative response of harbor seals and occurrence of rogue individuals relative to adult chum salmonid runs. 18th Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy NW Student Chapter, Bellingham, USA.
MEd Nathan Moore
2013-2014. Current: Secondary Teacher, Lake and Peninsula School District. (MEd from University of Mississippi.)
Moore, N. 2014. Variation in numbers of harbor seals relative to human development. 18th Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy NW Student Chapter, Bellingham, USA.
Dr. Kelsey Moreno
2012-2013. Current: Assistant Professor of Psychology, Saint Xavier University. (PhD from University of Southern Mississippi.)
Moreno, K. & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2016. The social structure of Golfo Dulce bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and the influence of behavioural state. Royal Society Open Science 3:160010. (big file)
MSc Erika Winner
2012-2013. Current: Engineering Geologist, California State Water Resources Control Board. (MSc from University of Minnesota Duluth.)
Winner, E. & Stehr, E. 2013. Aggregative response of harbor seals to adult salmonid runs and the occurrence of 'rogue' individuals. 17th Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy NW Student Chapter, Seattle, USA.
Emily Mulnick
2012-2013. Current: Physician Assistant, Family Health Centers.
Seasonal variation of harbor seal occurrence in Bellingham.
Dr. Kelly Cates
2011-2012. Current: NEPA Coordinator, NOAA Fisheries Alaska. (PhD from University of Alaska Fairbanks.)
Cates, K. & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2017. Harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) tolerance to vessels under different levels of boat traffic. Aquatic Mammals 43:193-200.
MSc Bobbie Buzzell
2011-2012. Current: Grants Manager, Lummi Natural Resources Department. (MSc from Western Washington University.)
Buzzell, B., Lance, M. & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2014. Spatial and temporal variation in river otter (Lontra canadensis) diet and predation on rockfish (Genus Sebastes) in the San Juan Islands, Washington. Aquatic Mammals 40:150-161. (big file)
MES Erin Stehr
2011-2012. After graduation: Marine Scientist, Virginia Institute of Marine Science. (MES from Evergreen State College.)
Freeman, G., Matthews, E., Stehr, E. & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2022. Individual variability in foraging success of a marine predator informs predator management. Scientific Reports 12: 11184.
MSc Kelley van Hees (Andrews)
2009-2011. After graduation: Scientist, Exact Scientific Services, Inc. (MSc from Moss Landing Marine Laboratories.)
Diet of river otters in the San Juan Islands.
Mandy Betz (Chomos)
2008-2009. After graduation: Marine Mammal Biologist, Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.
Vennum, C., Chomos, A. & Hardee, S. 2009. Seasonal variation of harbor seal core home ranges in the Pacific Northwest. Scholar's Week WWU Sigma-Xi Chapter, Western Washington University, Bellingham, USA.
Dr. Christopher R. Vennum
2008-2009. Current: Postdoctoral Researcher, New Mexico State University. (PhD from Colorado State University.)
Vennum, C., Chomos, A., & Hardee, S. 2009. Seasonal variation of harbor seal core home ranges in the Pacific Northwest. Scholar's Week WWU Sigma-Xi Chapter, Western Washington University, Bellingham, USA.
MA Kevin Eyer
2008-2009. Current: Science Teacher, North Kitsap High School. (MA from Miami University.)
Outreach: Lesson plans teaching about harbor seal movements to elementary school children in Bellingham, WA.
MSc Sara Cendejas-Zarelli
2007-2009. Current: Biologist, The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. (MSc from Western Washington University.)
Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. & Cendejas-Zarelli, S. 2011. Nocturnal haul-out patterns of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) related to airborne noise levels in Bellingham, Washington, USA. Aquatic Mammals 37:167-174.
MIT Lauren Grant
2007-2008. After graduation: Masters in Teaching from Seattle University.
Diet of river otters in the San Juan Islands.
Jessica Farrer
2006-2008. Current: Research Director, The Whale Museum.
Farrer, J. & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2010. Use of haul-out sites by harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) in Bellingham: implications for future development. Northwestern Naturalist 91:74-79.
Dr. Kenneth James Soda, Jr.
2007. Current: Assistant Professor of Math and Data Science, Quinnipiac University. (PhD from Florida State University.)
Alcid and cormorant foraging behavior in Burrows Channel, Anacortes, WA.
Dr. Jessie Perry (Patterson)
2006. After graduation: Physical Therapist, Valley Physical Therapy. (DPT from University of Montana.)
Patterson, J. & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2008. Tidal influence on the haul-out behavior of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) at a site available at all tide levels. Northwestern Naturalist 89:17-23.
Dr. Sarah Myhre
2003-2006. Current: Director of Partnerships & Democracy Forward. (PhD from University of California Davis.)
Myhre, S. & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2007. Recovery of sea urchin Diadema antillarum populations is correlated to increased coral and reduced macroalgal cover. Marine Ecology Progress Series 329:205-210.
MSc Amber Johnson
2004-2005. After graduation: Habitat Biologist, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. (MSc from Oregon State University.)
Johnson, A. & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2007. Regulation compliance by vessels and disturbance of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) disturbance. Canadian Journal of Zoology 85:290-294.
MSc Alyssa Matthews
2003-2005. After graduation: MSc from University of Washington.
Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. & Matthews, A. 2005. Association patterns of bottlenose dolphins in Costa Rica: constant companions and casual acquaintances. 16th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals, San Diego, USA.
Morghan Austin Hainline
2003-2004. After graduation: Office Manager, Bridgeport Behavioral Health.
Austin, M. 2004. Acorn barnacle (Balanus glandula) size in relation to presence of predators. Scholar's Week WWU Sigma-Xi Chapter, Western Washington University, Bellingham, USA.