Using light to hear the whales 

Researchers from UW Bothell’s School of STEM and the UW’s School of Oceanography are testing how existing underwater fiber optic cables can be repurposed to monitor endangered marine mammals, particularly Southern Resident orcas. Led by Dr. Shima Abadi and supported by a $1.5 million grant from Allen Family Philanthropies, the project aims to improve understanding of orca behavior and migration while helping reduce risks from maritime traffic.

As the project expands, opportunities will open for undergraduate students to participate in data analysis and in-the-field experiments. Learn more about Research & Creative Projects and how to get started in undergraduate research, which could include working in meaningful projects with your UW Bothell faculty researchers.