The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has announced that UD alumnus Jonathan Pennock is the new director of the National Sea Grant College Program.

NOAA Sea Grant director

UD alumnus Jonathan Pennock to lead National Sea Grant College Program

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4:27 p.m., April 21, 2016--University of Delaware alumnus Jonathan R. Pennock has been named director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Sea Grant College Program.

Pennock, who grew up in Wilmington, Delaware, earned two degrees at UD: a master’s degree in marine studies in 1981 and a doctoral degree in oceanography in 1983.

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For the past decade, the longtime coastal scientist has served as director of New Hampshire Sea Grant. He previously served as deputy director of University of New Hampshire’s School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering. He is a past president of the National Sea Grant Association and served as a Sea Grant representative for NOAA Research’s Senior Research Council.

The announcement comes as Sea Grant is celebrating 50 years of serving America’s coastal and Great Lakes communities by providing innovative science to address a range of environmental and economic issues. 

“Jonathan will bring to NOAA Sea Grant a strong scientific background and significant experience creating vibrant research programs and forging partnerships that are making a difference for coastal communities,” Craig McLean, NOAA assistant administrator for NOAA Research, said in a press release.

While at UD, Pennock received support from Delaware Sea Grant (DESG) for his doctoral research on the effect of nutrient runoff from land use on estuaries, developing his passion for both the ocean and the Sea Grant program.

Named the nation’s ninth Sea Grant College in 1976, Delaware Sea Grant is currently celebrating 40 years of “putting science to work” for Delaware’s coastal communities and other important stakeholders.

“We are proud of the accomplishments of alumni like Jonathan, who recognize the connection between science and policy, research and extension. As one of the nation’s Sea Grant programs we look forward to having someone at the helm who has a deep understanding of the role academia can play in addressing coastal issues,” said Mohsen Badiey, acting dean of the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment, which administers the Delaware Sea Grant program at UD.

About the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment

UD’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment (CEOE) strives to reach a deeper understanding of the planet and improve stewardship of environmental resources. CEOE faculty and students examine complex information from multiple disciplines with the knowledge that science and society are firmly linked and solutions to environmental challenges can be synonymous with positive economic impact. 

The college comprises the School of Marine Science and Policy, Department of Geography and Department of Geological Sciences.

CEOE brings the latest advances in technology to bear on both teaching and conducting ocean, earth and atmospheric research. Current focus areas are ecosystem health and society, environmental observing and forecasting, and renewable energy and sustainability.

Article by Laura Bilash

Photo by Jim Murray

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