By Donna L. Roberts, Office of Response and Restoration
This feature is part of a monthly series profiling scientists and technicians who provide exemplary contributions to the mission of NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration (OR&R). In our latest "Minds Behind OR&R," we feature software developer extraordinaire, Naomi Wilkins.
By Savannah Turner, NOAA Office of Response and Restoration
No matter how technologically advanced we become, or how accurate our weather forecast models are, mother nature maintains the ability to quickly remind us of how little control we have over her. Winters are notorious for impacting those who underestimate seasonal hazards or fail to prepare. For every extreme winter story of the skiers, climbers, or Arctic explorers who surmounted incredible odds to survive, there exists a counter narrative of the Captain Oates of the world—the intrepid explorer who died during the Terra Nova Antarctic expedition, sacrificing himself so that others could survive.
By Kristen Faiferlick, NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration
Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Though he is most known for his fight against racism, King once said “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” The third Monday in January of each year marks the passing of King’s birthday—Jan. 15—but it’s also the only federal holiday identified as a national day of service. This designation encourages all Americans to volunteer in their communities, address societal challenges, and connect to the life and teachings of Martin Luther King Jr.
Every month our Emergency Response Division provides scientific expertise and services to the U.S. Coast Guard on everything from running oil spill trajectories to model where the spill may spread, to possible effects on wildlife and fisheries and estimates on how long the oil may stay in the environment. This month OR&R responded to 14 incidents, including oil discharges, grounded vessels, and other pollution-related incidents.