Before graduating in June, Ash Putzke (Earth System Science and Biology ’26) had the opportunity to head a major project as an intern for UW Bothell’s Collaborative for Socio-Ecological Engagement (CoSEE).

CoSEE operates at the Environmental Education and Research Center in Saint Edward State Park in Kenmore, conducting research and hosting learning programs for the surrounding communities.

The project started with Lynne Robins, professor emeritus in the Department of Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine, who wanted to bring back native plants into residents’ yards and partnered with CoSEE to make it happen.

As a CoSEE intern, Putzke contibuted to every stage of the project, from planning and community organizing to surveying and data collection, working alongside Dr. Veronica Cassone McGowan, faculty director for the collaborative.

“I was drawn to the project because it related to making actual and immediate change in the neighborhood where I live,” Putzke said. “This project has enabled me to take advantage of everything I’ve done and learned about through my classes and CoSEE.” 

To learn more about the project, read the full UW Bothell story, “Help for the local ecosystem — one yard at a time.”