Insider News

National Sea Grant College Program
National Stakeholder Forum
The national stakeholder forum took place on Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at the Consortium for Oceanographic Research and Education (CORE) in Washington, DC. The purpose was to engage a broad range of stakeholders and to hear their innovative ideas as we develop the new National Sea Grant Strategic Plan. The forum provided an opportunity for stakeholders to offer input on major oceans and coastal challenges, to tailor Sea Grant's future role in addressing those challenges, and to identify potential alliances.

Delaware Sea Grant Featured in NOAA's "In the Spotlight"
Congratulations to Delaware Sea Grant. Communications Director, Ron Ohrel submitted "Sea Grant-Funded Researchers Explore Offshore Wind Energy Prospects" for this feature. Summary: Delaware Sea Grant researchers are investigating whether offshore wind turbines could play a major role in meeting the Mid-Atlantic region's energy needs. To read the article, please visit: www.oar.noaa.gov/spotlite/2007/spot_windenergy.html

Personnel Updates  

Miguel Lugo Named Fellowship Program Manager

Former Sea Grant Knauss Fellow (Puerto Rico Sea Grant, Class of 2003), Miguel Lugo joined the National Sea Grant Office (NSGO) staff on July 8th. Lugo replaces Jacques Oliver as Fellowship Program Manager. Since 2005, Lugo has worked as a Management and Budget Analyst for the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Management and Budget. Lugo will administrator and develop policy for the Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program, including managing selection competitions; processing grants; mediating situations involving funding, research, and timelines; and, organizing a one-week intensive interview process for Knauss finalists. Other duties will include assisting the NSGO with budgeting activities.

Joe Brown Named Assistant to the Director

We are pleased to announce that Joe Brown has accepted a new position with the National Sea Grant Office (NSGO) as Assistant to the Director and Program Manager for the National Sea Grant Review Panel. As Assistant to the Director, Joe works closely with Director, Leon Cammen in a variety of capacities. As Program Manager of the Review Panel, Mr. Brown works with Deputy Director, Jim Murray to provide executive services to each panel member and to the group. In addition to these duties, Mr. Brown assists the National Office in the areas of budget, contracts and personnel. (At present, Joe is on a brief detail at NOAA Research headquarters.)

Mike Liffmann and Jim Hurley Join NSGO for One-Year Appointments

Mike Liffmann joined the National Sea Grant Office (NSGO) in August. Liffmann serves in the role of Extension Leader (former Extension Leader, Jim Murray now serves as Deputy Director). Liffmann has been with Louisiana Sea Grant since 1983 and has served as the program’s Associate Executive Director since 2002. During his tenure as Extension Leader for the National Sea Grant College Program, Liffmann will perform a variety of program officer and extension duties.

Jim Hurley also joined the NSGO beginning in August. Hurley serves as an Associate Research Director for the National Office. Hurley serves as Senior Scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Assistant Director for Research and Outreach at the University of Wisconsin (UW) Sea Grant Institute, a position he has held since 2002. He also serves as Assistant Director of the UW Water Resources Institute, a program administered through the U.S. Geological Service (USGS), and serves as peer review coordinator for the USGS-National Institutes for Water Resources national research competition. During his tenure with the NSGO, his responsibilities will include research and program officer duties, including facilitating and overseeing grant awards, observing technical selection panels, and representing the NSGO on state program visits.

Kristin Rasmussen joins NSGO for the Summer

Kristin Rasmussen is working as an administrative analyst for the summer in the National Sea Grant Office (NSGO). She is assisting with the strategic planning process, OMB integration and NSGO filing systems.