Erika McPhee-Shaw

Dr. Erika McPhee-Shaw is a Professor of Environmental Sciences at Western Washington University (WWU), specializing in physical oceanography. She previously served as Director of Shannon Point Marine Center (2014–2017) and held academic roles at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories and San José State University. She earned a B.A. in Physics from Dartmouth College and a Ph.D. in Oceanography from the University of Washington (2000).

Her research focuses on coastal circulation, internal waves, and turbulent mixing in stratified fluids, with recent projects funded by the National Science Foundation. She has led fieldwork on the west coast continental shelf and canyon environments, including a study on Salish Sea dynamics during marine heat waves.

McPhee-Shaw is actively involved in science communication and policy, serving on boards such as the NOAA Integrated Ocean Observing System and the Global Ocean Health Advisory Board. Her teaching spans oceanography, climate change, and fluid dynamics. Notable recognition includes Western's 2022 Outstanding Faculty Scholarship and a Leopold Leadership Fellowship.