Brian Bingham Named WWU Director of Marine and Coastal Sciences

Brian Bingham has been named as director of Marine and Coastal Sciences at Western Washington University.

Bingham, who was selected following a national search, will begin his new duties on July 1, 2019. He has served as interim director at Western’s Shannon Point Marine Center (SPMC) in Anacortes since Feb. 1, 2018.

The director of Marine and Coastal Sciences, in coordination with relevant academic departments, is responsible for the continued development of marine and coastal science programs at WWU. Responsibilities also include supervising staff and managing research, teaching and outreach activities at SPMC.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Dr. Bingham this past year as he has provided interim leadership for the Shannon Point Marine Center and associated programs.  As he moves into this exciting new role, I’m confident that his academic credentials and his administrative acumen will serve us well,” said Western Provost Brent Carbajal. “We look forward to the synergies and opportunities that lie ahead for the program and for the center, with Dr. Bingham being well positioned to help move us strategically forward.”  

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.

“I’ve appreciated the opportunity to work closely with WWU faculty and staff both at the marine center and in Bellingham during the past year. WWU is in an excellent position to continue building our marine science program as we draw on existing strengths to develop new directions. It’s an exciting time to participate in this important effort,” 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.