Debbie Hopkins connects Our Coast Community Film Series to UW Bothell

As a member of the Snohomish County Marine Resource Committee (MRC), alum Debbie Hopkins (’17) brought the Our Coast Community Film Series to UW Bothell. The film series is the MRC’s annual outreach initiative, aimed at educating the community about local and global marine ecosystems. Hopkins saw UW Bothell as an ideal site for connecting both students and community members to contemporary issues. The final UW Bothell showing occurs on Sunday, April 22, with Chasing Coral, a film revealing climate change’s tremendous impact on our oceans. Last month Hopkins discussed the goals of the film series with the Bothell-Kenmore Reporter.

After 20 years as a research scientist, Hopkins joined the MA in Policy Studies program to support a career shift into the policy sector. Guided by a passion for developing education and outreach strategies that benefit health and well-being, Hopkins wanted to impact local policy, especially around marine affairs. While a student, she joined the Snohomish County MRC to help protect the county’s 130 miles of shoreline. Hopkins is thrilled by UW Bothell’s receptivity to hosting the film series and has worked closely with student Elizabeth Roe on organizing the events. She also credits the UW Bothell Office of Community-Based Learning and Research, UWB Sustainability Club, and Cascadia College, who have been instrumental to the success of this outreach effort.