Anouk-Belle Janess
Anouk-Belle Janess is an undergraduate student at the University of Washington completing two degrees in Marine Biology and American Indian Studies. She grew up on Lekwungen lands and waters, known today as southern Vancouver Island. Her professional goals, to enhance coastal community resilience, are informed by her training in Western and Indigenous science and Indigenous epistemologies that define “place” as networks of relations and responsibilities. She was motivated to apply for this scholarship to connect with a network of professionals and other students working at the intersection of environmental science and Indigenous Studies. Anouk is a proud transfer student, writer at The Daily, and STEM education mentor with Riverways Education Partnerships. When she's not on campus, she enjoys rock-climbing, reading, and baking.
Goals
I aim to weave my academic training in Marine Biology and Indigenous Studies together to research and communicate the impacts of climate change and colonialism on aquatic organisms, ecosystems, and coastal communities. Upon obtaining my two undergraduate degrees, I want to conduct graduate-level research on the environmental resilience of aquatic and coastal communities. This summer I am training as a research diver where I hope to use my skills to work on projects that work to enhance ecological health and Native nation sovereignty.
Tips
Go for it! Don't get in your head about whether or not you're the right type of candidate, just trust yourself and represent yourself as authentically as possible.
