Reflecting on my Washington Sea Grant-supported research opportunity
March 10, 2025
By Maddie Gard, WSG Science Communications Fellow
Washington Sea Grant prioritizes three core functions: research, outreach, and education. By some quirk of fate, I’ve matched with opportunities in each of these focus areas as a student in Washington state universities. When I was an undergraduate, a formative research experience in marine mammal ecology strengthened my passion for science-informed conservation efforts and catalyzed my career direction.
At Western Washington University, the Marine Mammal Ecology Lab hired me as a research assistant for graduate student Zoë K. Lewis to support her research examining Steller sea lion diets off the coast of Washington. With the funding from Washington Sea Grant, and in partnership with the Makah Tribe, we used molecular scatology methods to process samples collected from sea lion haul-out sites in the Makah’s ancestral waters.
Zoë K. Lewis collecting Steller sea lion scat samples from the Tatoosh Island haul-out site located in the Makah Tribe’s ancestral waters off the coast of Washington state.
Steller sea lion diet analysis is a nicer way of saying we investigated what Steller sea lions were eating by studying what was in their scat. For each of the 275 Steller sea lion samples in our study, Zoë and I strained out any “hard parts” from each scat to examine fish bones, otoliths, cephalopod beaks, and other identifiable bits. The remaining “scat slurries” were processed using DNA meta barcoding techniques that revealed what prey species were consumed by each sea lion. Most people wouldn’t feel enthusiastic about being literally wrist-deep in (admittedly) smelly scat, but I thought the science was fascinating!
Female Steller sea lion in the water with her mouth open to vocalize.
To enhance the molecular analysis of our study, we created new methods that determine whether each Steller sea lion scat depositor was male or female. We did this through using the DNA in their scat and designing new quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) primers. The molecular biology technique, qCPR, is used to amplify and quantify specific DNA or RNA fragments. To determine the sex of scat depositors, our primers targeted key fragments of X and Y chromosomes of Steller and California sea lions. These new qPCR primers are a powerful tool for helping scientists assess whether there are sex-specific dietary preferences, responses, or vulnerabilities to environmental conditions between male and female sea lions.
Zoë K. Lewis and Maddie Gard proudly presenting their complete “scat-o-meter” that was progressively filled in as Steller sea lion scat samples were processed for the study.
The molecular methods were my favorite part of the entire process – and not just because it was less stinky than straining scats by hand. It was a puzzle to piece together; picturing what each step accomplished on the molecular level was fascinating. Though pipetting tiny volumes and following technical protocols could be a tedious process, I valued the importance of ensuring each step was correct. The troubleshooting and perseverance, critical thinking when samples didn’t yield expected results, and deep diving into the molecular methods were invaluable. I learned there is not always a simple, direct process in science, especially within ecology studies.
On a professional level, Zoë modeled completing a master’s in science program. It was instrumental for my own growth as a student and scientist to observe her process, from the careful planning of methods to the execution of processing 275 scat samples, analyzing the results, and finally drafting, defending, and submitting her thesis. Genuine interest in marine ecology is what led me to join the Steller sea lion diet study, but little did I know the connections, experiences, lessons, and skills I developed there would lead me to apply to my own master’s program at the University of Washington’s School of Marine and Environmental Affairs. Fortunately, my path recently crossed with WSG again in this new chapter of graduate school when I joined the organization as their Science Communications Fellow in fall 2024.
Today, I am still using molecular techniques to study marine ecology, only now I’m developing my own master’s thesis examining harmful algal blooms in Puget Sound. Specifically, I’m investigating Alexandrium catenella, a dinoflagellate algae species that produces paralytic shellfish toxins. Hopefully my research will connect the presence and abundance of A. catenella in water samples to the environmental conditions that the species tend to produce toxins and harmful algal blooms in. Knowing more about the best ways to monitor for this species will help shellfish farmers and consumers in Washington state.
Sometimes I think about Joseph Campbell’s saying: “If the path before you is clear, you’re probably on someone else’s.” For most of us, when we look ahead, the future is uncertain. As a graduate student studying marine and environmental affairs, my career path forward is winding and unclear. It’s rewarding to pause occasionally and appreciate the long path already traveled, reflecting on how each twist and turn in the journey has led to the current destination. Looking backwards at my path and where it has led me, I feel very grateful for the WSG-supported research and fellowship opportunities that have enabled me to grow as an early career professional.
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Washington Sea Grant, based at the University of Washington, helps people and marine life thrive through research, technical expertise and education supporting the responsible use and conservation of coastal ecosystems. Washington Sea Grant is one of 34 Sea Grant programs supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in coastal and Great Lakes states that encourage the wise stewardship of our marine resources through research, education, outreach and technology transfer.
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MAR
2025