Harshitha Sai Viswanathan

Research Associate

Harshitha joined Ross in April 2024, bringing with her a strong background and interest in the human dimensions of ocean and coastal governance through diverse and interdisciplinary perspectives. She has extensive experience conducting mixed methods research on policy issues that account for the dynamic and interconnected nature of environmental challenges across natural, human, and built systems in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the United States. Harshitha is passionate about the intrinsic link between human, animal, and environmental well-being, supported by traditional communities and cultures. This passion has fueled her interests in environmental justice and resilience through community-centered approaches.

Prior to joining Ross, Harshitha worked as a Washington Sea Grant Hershman Fellow and Resiliency Planner with the Northwest Seaport Alliance. In this role, she assessed policies in response to climate change and hazard vulnerabilities and integrated sustainable development operations within seaports and associated communities, using interconnected facets of smart technology, risk optimization, and green and resilient strategies. Growing up in the United Arab Emirates, Harshitha's passion for marine conservation stemmed from her diving experiences and participation with the Abu Dhabi Environmental Agency as a research assistant. She has also assisted the Convention on Biological Diversity in developing strategies to include small-scale fishing communities in the restoration, protection, and equitable co-management of coastal environments and resources in India. Currently, she is working on an independent project exploring the public health impacts of climate change in Washington coastal communities through an indigenous and equity lens.

Harshitha graduated from the University of California San Diego with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Cell Biology and a minor in Marine Sciences. During her undergraduate studies, she worked as a researcher at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, exploring topics of marine microbial diversity, population dynamics, food webs, and ocean biochemistry. Harshitha also holds a Masters in Marine Affairs and a certificate in International Development Policy and Management from the University of Washington. Her master's thesis explored the characteristics of tourism that contribute to sustainability in coastal environments and marine protected areas management schemes in Abu Dhabi.

Outside of work, she enjoys reading, visiting museums, hiking, dance, and listening to music. As someone who believes learning to be a lifelong endeavor, she is always willing and ready to take on new challenges, gain new skills, and embark on new experiences.