Brandon Ray, MA in International Studies at the University of Washington will make a presentation that will discuss current issues affecting the Arctic, including resource extraction, shipping, and UNCLOS disputes (e.g. claims for the North Pole, the status of Canada's Northwest Passage).

Brandon Ray is a masters student in University of Washington’s Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies and the School of Marine and Environmental Affairs.  He previously earned a masters degree in atmospheric science, studying Arctic sea ice predictability at seasonal to interannual timescales, with the goal of allowing stakeholders to better understand the limitations of seasonal forecasts. Brandon was a member of the inaugural Arctic Research Fellows program at University of Washington. A naval officer of ten years, Brandon is also interested in how climate change has been incorporated into national security strategies, focusing specifically on the Arctic.