Marjorie Wonham

Welcome.

I am a Canadian Teaching Professor in Marine Biology at Friday Harbor Laboratories (University of Washington). I am fascinated by marine invertebrates and marine ecological dynamics.

As an instructor, I focus on developing student self-authorship through guided inquiry. I design my courses with a combination of field and lab work, group and individual work, and informational and transformational learning activities. Students use the content and concepts of marine biology to deepen their understanding of marine systems and to hone their curiosity, critical-thinking, collaboration, and communication skills.

As a researcher, I ask questions in three main areas. (1) Pedagogy: Why and how can higher education foster student and faculty self-authorship? How can field courses be made both challenging and accessible? (2) Interdisciplinary arts and sciences: Why do science and poetry enhance each other? What can eco-poetics and eco-translation teach us in the Anthropocene? (3) Marine ecology and species introductions: How do introduced species spread to and alter marine ecosystems? How do their dynamics intersect with climate and culture? 

I look forward to meeting you at EER 2026.