As Spring quarter ends, I find myself reflecting on the academic year and the many accomplishments of SEFS faculty, students and staff. It’s been a great year and as a community we have done so much together to be proud of. 

This year the SEFS faculty conducted searches for the School’s next assistant professors. We reviewed numerous applications and spent a couple of months conducting on-campus interviews. I’m happy to report that we’ve hired three new faculty members who will be joining us this fall. 

I’m pleased to introduce you to Dr. Julie Larson, who will be joining SEFS faculty as an assistant professor of ecological restoration and management, and Dr. Mutian Hua as an assistant professor in bioresource science and engineering. We are also thrilled to have Dr. Gaj Sivandran joining us this fall as an assistant teaching professor to contribute to the growth and strength of the Quantitative Sciences (QSci) program we offer jointly with the School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences (SAFS). Stay tuned as we are conducting two more faculty searches next year. 

In May, the last of our administrative team members moved out of Anderson Hall in preparation for the renovation efforts commencing this month. SEFS staff, students and faculty have provided instrumental input to the project team throughout this process and we’re eager to see the nearly 100-year-old landmark building take on new life. During renovation, we will continue to update the SEFS community on the process and timeline of the project from our temporary perch in Condon Hall through early 2026, when we expect completion. 

This time of the year offers a chance to reflect on the many notable accomplishments of this group of graduates, many of whom began their programs during pandemic lockdowns. These students have persevered, worked, and learned through difficult and unmatched times. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to gather and celebrate their accomplishments in our annual end-of-year celebration and commencement ceremony. 

As we gather in celebration, I also think about SEFS faculty and staff and all that they’ve accomplished this year. Our faculty has been busy publishing papers, winning grants, building essential partnerships within and beyond the environmental research community, and engaging with a wide range of external partners that make our work possible. I’m so proud of how SEFS faculty have found creative ways to inspire and provide solutions to pressing challenges in forests and other socio-environmental systems. 

By the time this newsletter reaches you, I’ll be temporarily stepping away from my role as SEFS Director for a six-month sabbatical. This valuable time away wouldn’t be possible without the support of the whole SEFS team and the willingness of Professor Clare Ryan to step into the role of Acting Director. Clare has held numerous leadership positions since joining SEFS in 1997 and I have complete confidence that the school and our programs are in great hands. A huge thank you to Clare for offering up her knowledge and expertise to the SEFS community while I’m away. 

Besides recharging and reflecting, I’ll be using this upcoming sabbatical to collaborate with colleagues around the country in organizing the inaugural national conference of the National Sustainability Society (NSS). We are forming the organization as a professional network of sustainability researchers and practitioners. The first national conference will be held right here at the UW from September 9-11, 2024, and will showcase work that advances innovations in sustainability in all sectors, closes the implementation gap, and supports workforce development at all levels. I invite you to join us this fall. 

As we look toward the summer break and the Autumn quarter beyond, I offer my best wishes for continued success in our community. I look forward to seeing you all when I return in winter quarter. 

Dan Brown

School of Environmental and Forest Sciences
Corkery Family Director’s Chair
Professor and Director