Studying Cook Inlet Belugas: Ella Lieb’s Senior Research Journey

If you’ve spent time along Cook Inlet watching for beluga whales, there’s a good chance you’ve taken part in the citizen science aspect of a research project that Ella Lieb has focused her senior project on. Through her work monitoring Cook Inlet belugas, Ella has turned her passion for ecology into meaningful, real-world impact.

Originally from Long Island, New York, Ella came to Alaska Pacific University to pursue a degree in Marine and Environmental Science with a concentration in ecology. Drawn to colder climates and driven by a lifelong interest in environmental science, she took a leap of faith when applying to APU. “Where’s a better place to get an environmental science degree than Alaska?” she said. That leap quickly turned into a deep sense of belonging.

From her very first year, Ella immersed herself in campus life. She’s been a familiar face as a barista at the campus coffee shop and stepped into a leadership role as a Resident Advisor during her sophomore year. Known for her ability to connect with others, she’s made it a priority to build community and get to know people across campus.

Academically, Ella’s journey has been equally impressive. As a recipient of the highly competitive NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship, awarded to just a small percentage of applicants nationwide, she gained hands-on experience working with the National Marine Fisheries Service in Anchorage beginning last summer when she participated in a paid internship. That summer and then continuing through her senior project, she contributed to beluga whale research in the Protected Resources Division. At the end of the summer, she even traveled to Maryland to present her findings at NOAA headquarters.

Her senior project, “Investigating Changes in Cook Inlet Beluga Summer Habitat Use in Lower Knik Arm,” builds on that work. Using nearly 20 years of beluga data, Ella analyzed shifts in migration timing, group size, and habitat use. Her data analysis suggests that belugas are arriving earlier in the summer and staying longer, which is an important finding that could influence future conservation and mitigation strategies. With the population having declined significantly from historical numbers, her work helps inform how to better protect this endangered group moving forward. 

“While my senior project has been challenging, it’s been an incredibly valuable learning experience. I’ve gotten to work through every part of the research process, from writing the report to gathering, compiling, and analyzing data. Getting that full experience, while also working closely with my advisors, has been really incredible,” she reflects. 

Ella credits APU’s hands-on learning approach as one of the most impactful parts of her experience. From fieldwork in Kachemak Bay to designing and executing her own research project, she’s gained skills that go far beyond the classroom. “It’s a unique learning experience that my friends at other schools haven’t had,” she shared.

One of her most transformative moments came early on during a Yukon expedition. Having never camped before, Ella found herself far outside her comfort zone, but it was there that she built lasting connections and discovered a deep appreciation for Alaska. “It really sealed the deal,” she said. “I love this place and I want to be here.”

After graduation, Ella will continue her work with Cook Inlet belugas as a Protected Species Observer at the Port of Alaska, monitoring whale activity to support environmental compliance during construction projects. She’s also considering graduate school and hopes to continue her research, while exploring interests like GIS that she discovered later in her studies.

Reflecting on her time at APU, Ella emphasizes the importance of getting involved. “Put yourself out there,” she advises. “Working at the coffee shop and being an RA helped me connect with so many people. It’s the best way to build community and make the most of your experience.”

Through her dedication to science, community, and conservation, Ella Lieb leaves APU having made a lasting impact—both on campus and in the waters of Cook Inlet.