The Pacific Northwest (PNW) Climate Ambassadors program at the University of Washington trains graduate students studying topics related to climate change to effectively engage with the public. Our first cohort of students completed their initial training in May 2025 and are ready to develop presentations on a topic related to their climate science interest and expertise.

The PNW Climate Ambassadors program is a collaboration between the Program on Climate Change (PCC), the Washington State Climate Office (WASCO) and the College of the Environment Communications Team.

Request a Presentation

Meet the PNW Climate Ambassadors

Reese Barrett (she/her)

Presentation Topics: ocean acidification, marine impacts of climate change in the PNW, climate solutions

I am a second-year PhD student in chemical oceanography working with Dr. Brendan Carter (NOAA/PMEL). I study the marine inorganic carbonate system, climate feedbacks, and marine carbon dioxide removal with the goal of advancing equitable climate solutions. Learn more on Reese’s Profile

Keisha Bharath (she/her)

Presentation Topics: Decolonizing Planning, Nature-Based Solutions, Climate-Resilient Infrastructure, Community Engagement, Climate Justice, Urban Governance, Sustainable Infrastructure, Resilience Planning, Decentralized Systems

I am a PhD student in Urban Design and Planning at the University of Washington researching the intersections of urban planning, energy policy, and climate resilience in Trinidad and Tobago. My work examines how decolonizing urban planning can facilitate a just transition to renewable energy by addressing historical land use patterns, regulatory barriers, and infrastructural challenges that have hindered sustainable development.

Cassia Cai (she/her)

Presentation Topics: ocean heat extremes, ocean heat transport, marine impacts of climate change in the PNW, climate solutions

I am a fourth-year PhD student in physical oceanography working with Dr. LuAnne Thompson. I study ocean heat extremes and transport such as the physical drivers of marine heatwaves and how clouds affect the strength and variability of large upper-ocean circulation structures called the Subtropical Cells in the Pacific Ocean. These cells have an important role in global heat transport. I also have an interest in clean energy.

Amirah Casey

Presentation Topics: water, droughts, flooding, runoff, human health impacts, salmon, solutions

I am a member of the Applied Ecology Lab at the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, and currently a NOAA student volunteer working with the Ecotoxicology Program at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center. For my thesis, I aim to investigate the combined effects of urbanization and climate change on Coho salmon in the Puget Sound, using experimental exposures to elevated temperatures and 6PPD-quinone, alongside adapting an existing risk assessment model. Learn more on Amirah’s Website

Dana Coppernoll-Houston (they/he)

Presentation Topic(s): Climate change impacts in urban environments, climate change impacts in PNW, actions to take to fight climate change, policy options to fight climate change

I’m a first year MPA student in the Evans School studying Environmental Public Policy. I hope to focus and specialize in the role that cities can play in reducing GHG emissions, such as through walkability and public transportation.

Keenan Ganz (he/him)

Presentation Topics: Satellites, forests, drought

 I am a PhD candidate in the Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis Laboratory in the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences. I use machine learning to forecast where trees are most likely to die of drought or insect attack. Prior to UW, I  studied plant physiology at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Learn more on Keenan’s Website

Amelia Keyser-Gibson (she/her)

Presentation Topics: drought, heat, water availability, PNW climate change, plant/garden impacts, plant physiology. 

I am a plant ecophysiologist in the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, and particularly interested in how plants respond to changing water availability and drought. Outside of grad school, you can often find me outdoors running, hiking, cross country skiing or otherwise going on adventures in the mountains. Learn more on Amelia’s Profile and Project Website

Liam Kirkpatrick

Presentation Topics: Glaciers and sea level rise, tipping points in the climate system, climate impacts in the PNW

I am a graduate student in the Department Earth and Space Sciences at the University of Washington. My research focuses on understanding our climate system by developing ice core records of past climate change stretching back millions of years. Learn more on Liam’s Website

Benjamin Lloyd

Presentation topics: Ancient climate change, plant/ecosystem impacts of climate change, plant physiology

I am a PhD student in the Earth & Space Sciences and Biology departments at the University of Washington. I use paleobotanical and paleoecological techniques to reconstruct ancient ecosystems and investigate their evolution alongside a changing climate. Currently, I’m investigating how the Australian Outback went from wet, dense forest to dry, barren desert over the last 10 million years. Learn more on Ben’s Profile

Haoyu Yue (he/him/his)

Presentation Topic(s): City climate planning and solar energy in communities

I am a Ph.D. student in Interdisciplinary Urban Design & Planning in the College of Built Environments at the University of Washington. My research focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence, urban climate action, and renewable energy infrastructure. Learn more on Haoyu’s Website