Bonnie J. Becker, Ph.D.

I am an associate professor in marine ecology at the University of Washington Tacoma. My research focuses on marine conservation biology, including invertebrate larval connectivity, remediation and restoration, and habitat monitoring. I teach courses focused on ecology, zoology, and conservation biology and am interested in experiential- and service-based learning in undergraduate education.
I am currently working on the early life history of commercially and ecologically important shellfish in Puget Sound. Recent work includes:
- The early life history and restoration success of Olympia oysters (Ostrea lurida) in northern Puget Sound (Fidalgo Bay, Anacortes WA)
- The spatial and temporal distribution of Pacific geoduck clams (Panopea generosa) in central Puget Sound (Quartermaster Harbor, Vashon Island WA)
- The use of bivalve aquaculture to remediate nutrient eutrophication in an urban waterway (Thea Foss Waterway, Tacoma WA)
- Benthic invertebrate community monitoring in polluted marine habitats (Commencement Bay, Tacoma WA)
I teach courses that focus on ecology, conservation biology, and marine invertebrate zoology. I enjoy teaching majors as well as non-majors. My courses include many opportunities for experiential learning and service learning, including collecting biodiversity data for state agencies, creating outreach materials for local non-profits, and conducting independent research projects in the classroom.
Courses I regularly teach include:
- TESC 232 Issues in Conservation Biology
- TESC 332 Conservation Biology in Practice
- TESC 340 Ecology and Its Applications
- TESC 402 History and Ecology of Biological Invasions
- TESC 438 Marine Invertebrates
- TESC 442 Marine Ecology
- TESC 495 Environmental Research Experience
Courses I occasionally teach are:
- TESC 120 Introductory Biology I
- TESC 200 Environmental Seminar
- TESC 310 Environmental Research Seminar
- TCORE 111 Everybody Eats: Food in the Landscape
In addition, I always advise a number of independent study students, including those doing Directed Research (TESC 499), Internships (TESC 496), and Directed Research (TESC 498).
- Western Society of Naturalists
- National Shellfisheries Association
- Citizens for a Healthy Bay: Secretary, Board of Directors; Policy Technical Committee (2008-present); Co-Founder and Member, Communications Committee.
- Reviewer for various publications and granting agencies.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
![]() | 201.05 KB |