Dr. David Secord

Associate Professor

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Biography

David Secord is an Affiliate Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Washington. With a decade of experience in academia, he has transitioned into strategic philanthropy, focusing on conservation communities. His consultancy, Barnacle Strategies, based on Salt Spring Island, BC, collaborates with foundations and academic institutions to advance environmental initiatives. Secord has held significant roles, including founding Director and Vice President of Strategic Grantmaking at Tides Canada Foundation and Program Officer at Wilburforce Foundation. He is actively involved in promoting place-based conservation and works closely with Indigenous leaders and non-profit organizations. His expertise combines marine invertebrate ecology with interdisciplinary environmental program leadership, and he has co-founded several award-winning environmental programs at the University of Washington. As a Fellow of the International Canadian Studies Institute and the Aldo Leopold Leadership Program, he has developed educational initiatives that bridge academia, philanthropy, and conservation.

Research Interests

Experience

Affiliate Associate Professor

2010-01-01 — Present

University of Washington • Seattle, WA

Teaching and leading programs in conservation biology and marine biology.

Director/VP Strategic Grantmaking

2005-01-01 — 2010-12-31

Tides Canada Foundation • Vancouver, BC

Led strategic grantmaking initiatives focusing on environmental and conservation projects.

Program Officer

2003-01-01 — 2004-12-31

Wilburforce Foundation • Seattle, WA

Managed grantmaking activities and relationships in land and marine conservation.

Requirements for University of Washington

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:80
IELTS
Overall
Required:6.5
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:105
Overall
Required:105
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • English proficiency scores (for international students)
Specialization Notes

Standard Graduate School requirements for University of Washington apply to most departments listed unless specified otherwise by the program.