Join Ocean Studies Seminar guest speaker Jeremy Weirich for his discussion titled, 'NOAA Ocean Exploration: Maximizing Federal Efforts to Map, Explore, and Characterize our Unknown Ocean'. Event Abstract: Since the program’s inception in 2001, NOAA Ocean Exploration has been dedicated to exploring our largely unknown ocean, unlocking its potential through scientific discovery, technological advancements, and data delivery. By working closely with valuable partners across the public, private, and academic sectors, this unique federal program applies the latest tools and technologies to fill gaps in our basic understanding of the marine environment, making discoveries of scientific, economic, and cultural value. This talk will discuss the components of NOAA Ocean Exploration that support expeditions worldwide, drive advancements in ocean exploration technologies, deliver critical ocean data, and invite participation in ocean exploration experiences through its professional education and outreach activities. Since Jeremy is a graduate of MMA’s Corning School of Ocean Studies, the talk will also touch upon his meandering professional career after leaving Castine and offer some lessons learned. Bio: Jeremy Weirich returned to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in March 2022 to lead NOAA Ocean Exploration, a federal program that coordinates and funds expeditions of exploration around the world with a focus on the deep-sea environment. He previously served as the Vice President for Corporate Strategy at the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, a non-profit science organization that develops and manages ground-based and space-based telescopes for NASA and NSF, where he led policy and advocacy for the next generation of U.S. telescopes. Prior to his leadership at AURA, he worked for over ten years on the U.S. Senate’s Committee on Appropriations, the last half as the Staff Director (Majority Clerk) for the subcommittee that funds the Departments of Justice and Commerce, NASA, and the National Science Foundation, having uniquely served that role under both Republican and Democrat chairpersons. Jeremy began his federal career within the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps, honorably discharged at the rank of lieutenant commander. He sailed as a deck officer, scientist, and master diver aboard numerous research and hydrographic vessels and coordinated underwater archaeological expeditions worldwide. He graduated with a BS in Ocean Studies from Maine Maritime Academy (‘97) and received an MSc in Maritime Archaeology from the University of Southampton, United Kingdom. Ocean Studies Seminar Information | Livestream Access