Rebecca Briggs serves as the West Coast and Pacific Islands Regional Federal Program Officer and National Research Lead for the NOAA National Sea Grant Office (NSGO). Becky is a scientific program manager with nearly two decades of leadership experience working in the government and academic research sectors. Using critical thinking to solve complex problems, she enjoys designing innovative approaches towards operational excellence.

As an oceanographer and environmentalist, she works passionately to develop partnerships and execute projects that support innovative science to create sustainable and resilient coastal communities and ecosystems. Becky develops strategies that strengthen the value and integrity of research science. As a federal program officer at NSGO, Becky oversees the performance of state Sea Grant programs, manages grant portfolios, develops strategic partnerships, directs the environmental compliance portfolio and helps to raise the profile and effectiveness of Sea Grant’s expansive research enterprise.

Becky is an oceanographer by training and received a B.Sc. in Chemistry and Chemical Oceanography from the University of Rhode Island followed by a Ph.D. in Oceanography from the University of Hawai‘i. Her research examined biogeochemical cycles in coastal waters and merged science and cultural understanding at He‘eia Fishpond. After completing her doctoral degree, Becky created and ran an analytical facility for the oceanography department at the university, which provided carbon and nutrient data to environmental researchers in the state.

Based out of Olympia WA, Becky loves exploring her home in the Pacific Northwest with her family and two young kids. When not at work you will find her paddle boarding, hiking with her dog, or, more recently, at the local pottery studio.

Email: rebecca.briggs@noaa.gov