The 2013 Arthur Whitely Lecture Series kicks off Thursday, Jan. 31, featuring a presentation about ocean acidification by University of Washington oceanographer Jan Newton.

Principal oceanographer with UW’s Applied Physics Lab, Newton’s latest  topic of research is assessing the status of ocean acidification in local marine waters. Together with UW’s Terrie Klinger, she helped to initiate a seawater sampling program in the San Juans, based at the FH Labs, with a goal of training students in the study of ocean acidification.

Newton is also affiliated with the School of Oceanography and School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, and executive director of the Northwest Association of Networked Regional Ocean Observing Systems.

Sponsored by San Juan Nature Institute, the Whiteley Lecture Series is a showcase for various areas of research conducted at Friday Harbor Labs, and presentations are offered free to the public. For more info, visit the SJ Nature Institute website, www.sjnature.org.