Photograph of Professor Julia Parrish

Julia Parrish – RUA PI, University of Washington

Julia Parrish, Professor, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, Associate Dean, Academic Affairs, College of the Environment, University of Washington

RUA Affiliation: Principal Investigator (PI) of the University of Washington RUA National Science Foundation (NSF) AGEP grant

What is your field of study and why did you choose it?

I work in marine ecology. The ocean covers 3/4 of the world and is the starting point for biological life. It houses the most abundant wild diversity left on earth.

Why did you choose to participate in RUA activities?

When I joined my department, less than 15% of faculty were women and only 1 was indigenous. This lack of diversity was shocking, and I needed to be a changemaker.

What is a highlight of your RUA participation? 

Seeing the Research Exchange take off and result in postdoc and faculty offers.

What advice do you have for graduate students or postdocs?

Create a profile in the portal! More generally – don’t be afraid. If you’re on an uncomfortable edge, you’re in the right place.

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