Alumni Highlight: Casey Haagenson, Marine Mammalogist & AI Scientist

After graduating from the University of Washington with a B.S. in Marine Biology in 2023, I packed my things and moved up to Friday Harbor, WA, where I immersed myself in the world of marine engineering and marine research. I joined the Sea Mammal Research Unit Consulting company (SMRUC) at the University of St. Andrews where I worked with deploying, analyzing, and trouble-shooting passive acoustic monitoring systems to study marine mammal presence and behavior, as well as general anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic noise. Additionally, I conducted acoustic analysis of marine mammal data, and used that data to help train AI models built to detect marine noise (more on that later!).  

After a brief break between positions, I found myself back in the Seattle area, working as an Intermediate Environmental Scientist for Stantec Inc. in their Bellevue, WA office. My duties vary wildly from day to day, but most of the time you can find me hunkered at my desk working on environmental compliance documentation, analyzing environmental data, or using custom-built TensorFlow models to analyze terrestrial and marine camera trap data. In this position I work more closely with clients, and have done work under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Park Service, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. 

The Marine Biology program at UW gave me a solid grounding in fieldwork, data science, and marine ecology which really gave me a strong foundation when I found myself in the environmental research industry upon graduating.  

What I found most helpful from my time at UW was my participation in a joint internship between the Marine Mammal Laboratory of NOAA’s Alaska Fisheries Science Center and the University of Washington’s School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences. During this internship I learned a lot about the development and application of AI models to speed up wildlife analysis processes, which really increased my confidence in the intersection between marine biology and computer science.  

In short, I’m confident to say that my involvement and degree at UW, with amazing programs in engineering, computer science, and marine biology helped directly shape my interests in using technology for wildlife monitoring and conservation. 

I’m a huge AI nerd these days. With AI becoming more and more intertwined in many aspects of our lives, I find myself getting asked this all the time, whether it be from classmates, clients, or higher ups within the company.  

When used ethically, I feel that AI offers tremendous potential to streamline and expand conservation science. I’ve seen this first hand, whether through automatically classifying bioacoustic data of marine mammals, camera trap data of terrestrial mammals, or analyzing videos taken upon fishing vessels.  

Although I’ve always loved working in the environmental field, the intense competition, especially for new graduates, was intimidating when I first began job hunting. What helped me stand out was pairing strong field experience with a diverse technical skill set. Combining marine science with data analytics and hardware engineering has opened the door to unique, interdisciplinary roles that I wouldn’t have qualified for otherwise. 

Building practical skills in coding (Python, R), hands-on electronics (soldering, calibration, PCB assembly), and environmental compliance has made me versatile and valuable across different teams and projects. I encourage others to pursue opportunities that offer both lab and field experience, and to develop a toolkit that includes software, hardware, and clear scientific communication. 

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone! I had virtually no mechanical engineering background when I graduated from UW, but investing in those skills has allowed me to contribute meaningfully to multidisciplinary teams, and to take on roles I never imagined when I started. 

I’d tell myself to start learning technical skills earlier. Especially coding, data visualization, and electronics. These tools have become just as important as scientific knowledge in today’s environmental field. I’d also stress the value of interdisciplinary collaboration. Many of the most rewarding opportunities I’ve had involved working at the interface of biology, engineering, and data science. Being curious and open to roles that aren’t strictly “marine biology” can really accelerate your career. 

I’d also tell myself to make more connections during my time at UW. Connections can get you further than any training course, certification, or resume line. They open doors to opportunities, mentorship, and collaborations you might never find on your own. Building relationships with professors, classmates, and professionals in the field can be just as valuable as the skills you’re learning in class.