The University of Washington Bothell has named Dr. Veronica Cassone McGowan as the inaugural director of its new research center, the Collaborative for Socio-Ecological Engagement, effective December 2024. CoSEE is housed at the Environmental Education & Research Center located in St. Edward State Park.
McGowan joined UW Bothell in 2020. As a research scientist and instructor in the School of Educational Studies, she has taught courses that emphasize the integration of pedagogy, ecological and social systems. As the project coordinator for UW Bothell’s Environmental Careers Preparedness program, she has worked to create inclusive and expansive framing of green careers to prepare the next generation of students for the growing green economy. Additionally, she has led research and co-designed projects through both CoSEE and UW Bothell’s Goodlad Institute for Education Renewal.
“Dr. McGowan has held several pivotal roles that highlight her dedication to education, the environment and community collaboration,” said Dr. Sharon A. Jones, vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. “Her leadership will undoubtedly elevate CoSEE’s mission to advance our understanding of the dynamic connections that exist between ecological systems and social systems, thereby enhancing UW Bothell’s role as a catalyst for positive environmental change.”
McGowan’s research focuses on examining the intersection of human and ecological health through interdisciplinary and place-based learning. She has experience conducting ecological research and developing and leading field-based education programs at the UW, in K-12 schools, and in state and national parks with a focus on centering racial justice and gender equity across project contexts.
“My scholarship, teaching and co-design practices are deeply situated in principles of equity and justice across disciplines,” McGowan said. “My theoretical groundings in this work recognize the core principles of upholding heterogenous ways of knowing and broadening what counts as knowledge as central to creating just and equitable learning and research environments.”
“The practices of upholding heterogeneity in research and teaching are intrinsically linked with doing community-centered and participatory co-design work,” she added, “and are central to all aspects of my work with youth, students, scientists and community members.”
Throughout her career, McGowan has demonstrated a commitment to fostering collaboration between academia and the community. She has spearheaded projects that integrate ecological research with practical applications, addressing real-world environmental challenges. Her ability to build interdisciplinary teams and secure stakeholder partnerships has resulted in innovative solutions that bridge gaps between scientific inquiry and societal needs.
“As director of CoSEE, I am excited to draw on these foundations to co-build a model of expansive and equitable field-based teaching, learning and research that serves campus and broader communities in understanding and shaping just socio-ecological futures for our region and beyond,” McGowan said.
