As a 2025 Knauss Executive Fellow, Julia Wente will serve as special assistant to the deputy assistant director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) Ecological Services Program. In this role, Julia will focus on species restoration and habitat protection, contributing to the development and implementation of policies aimed at preserving biodiversity and promoting ecological resilience. She is eager to bridge the gap between scientific research and policy and looks forward to gaining experience in shaping federal strategies that benefit both ecosystems and local communities.

Julia earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and is honored to represent Hawaiʻi Sea Grant as a Knauss Fellow. She also holds a master’s in science education from Montana State University. For her graduate research, she collaborated with the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary to analyze trends in the Hawaiian humpback whale population using data from the Sanctuary Ocean Count project. Julia’s interest in marine policy was sparked during an undergraduate internship with NOAA Fisheries’ Protected Resources Division, where she studied the effects of human interaction on Hawaiian spinner dolphin behavior, contributing to the development of new viewing regulations.

Beyond her academic work, Julia is deeply involved in community education and outreach. She is passionate about fostering equitable access to ocean science and empowering those in marginalized communities to engage in scientific endeavors. As both a student and a steward, she is grateful to learn from organizations and communities dedicated to preserving place-based knowledge and sustainable practices. Julia looks forward to applying the skills and connections gained during her fellowship year to advocate for effective conservation policies and contribute to ecosystem restoration on a national scale.