Walker Hobson

Overview

Walker is a former Naval Officer turned marine conservationist and scientific diver, with a strong interest in the intersection of science and policy. After completing his post-baccalaureate degree in Marine Biology at the University of Washington, he conducted field research on the release and post-monitoring of captive-bred sunflower sea stars through the Hodin Lab at Friday Harbor Laboratories. His work focused on restoration and habitat use, incorporating scuba surveys and visual transects. Walker also studied eelgrass restoration and designed surveys to support conservation efforts in Puget Sound. He brings teaching experience from both military training and undergraduate education, and is passionate about communicating science clearly and inclusively. At SMEA, he is interested in marine protected areas, the intersection of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and collaborative approaches to conservation policy that center both ecosystems and communities.