Huxley's Brian Bingham Named Interim Director of WWU’s Shannon Point Marine Center

Brian Bingham has been named interim director of Western Washington University’s Shannon Point Marine Center (SPMC).

Bingham, professor of Environmental Sciences in Western’s Huxley College of the Environment, will begin his new duties on Feb. 1. A national search for the SPMC director is planned for next fall, with the permanent director set to start during the summer of 2019.

Previous SPMC Director Erika McPhee-Shaw resigned during summer 2017 and transitioned to serve as a faculty member in Huxley College. Western Provost Brent Carbajal appointed Kathy Kitto, retired vice provost for research and dean of Western’s Graduate School, to oversee the SPMC transition for future leadership of the center.

“I am extremely pleased that Dr. Brian Bingham will serve as interim director of the Shannon Point Marine Center.  Dr. Bingham has worked at and with the SPMC a great deal, so he brings not only excellent academic/research experience to the post, but also functional familiarity with it.  He is committed to and a strong supporter of the mission of the Marine Center.  I look forward to working with him and everyone at the SPMC,” Carbajal said. “I also want to express my appreciation to Kathy Kitto for her leadership, dedication, and commitment to SPMC during fall quarter. “

Bingham, who received his master’s and doctorate degrees in Biology from Brigham Young University and Florida State University, is both a Huxley College faculty member and resident scientist at SPMC. His field of study includes the ecology of marine invertebrates.

“Shannon Point is a remarkable facility with a talented group of faculty and staff who are deeply committed to high-quality research and education. I look forward to continuing our efforts to better understand marine environments while serving WWU, local communities, and the broader field of marine science,” Bingham said.

Bingham has received numerous awards, including as a co-recipient of the 2015 Excellence in Teaching Award at Western. In 2006, the Western Society of Naturalists named Bingham to its Naturalist of the Year Award.  The award was established to recognize those who inspire young scientists through mentoring, research and service.  At Shannon Point, Bingham also directed the Multicultural Initiatives in Marine Science: Undergraduate Participation program, which received a national Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Math, and Engineering Mentoring.

The Shannon Point Marine Center (SPMC) supports and promotes Western Washington University’s instructional and research programs in the marine sciences; provides access to facilities for visiting scientists from around the world; supports supervised, independent research for undergraduates nationwide via federally-funded programs; and promotes ocean literacy among the general public through targeted K-12 and public education initiatives.