
2001
Expedition

Harriman
Retraced
Participants

2001
Expedition
Itinerary

Community
Profiles
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Alison
Hammer
NOAA Physical
Scientist
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Alison
Hammer
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In my job as a physical scientist with the Special Project
office at the National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), I wear many hats. I
develop Web sites, GIS maps, and presentations and documents
on the assessment of conditions and the management of marine
resources, some that relate directly to Executive Orders or
recent acts by Congress. The projects I am currently
involved with, other than the Harriman Expedtion Retraced
Web Site, focus on marine protected areas, estuarine habitat
restoration, and coral reefs.
My background is in marine
affairs and coastal management, a branch of study that
brings together the science, economics and sociology of
ocean and coastal research and protection. My interest in
the marine environment started in the third grade, when I
read an article in World Magazine about the clubbing of baby
Harp Seals. Coincidently, I had just been assigned a "what
do you want to be when you grow up" essay for school. I
asked my mom, "What kind of job protects seals?" She
replied, "a marine biologist," and, clearly, I listened. I
studied marine science at University of Miami, and there
focused on management problems that affect marine resources,
including over-development and pollution.
In graduate school at the
University of Rhode Island I had an internship in a city
facing a very big pollution problem. Runoff from land was
seriously polluting the bay. The local shellfish were making
people sick, the community's health and the livelihood of
its fisherman were both threatened. I worked on education
and problem-solving at the local level. Once I finished
school, I headed to Washington, where, at NOAA, I work on
marine projects that are national in scope.
I have also always loved the
ocean; just seeing it brings me a true sense of peace. It
doesn't matter what season it is, although warmer is better,
since I love to swim.
I have never been to Alaska, and
can't wait to see the marine wildlife, particularly seals,
sea lions and whales. I will be on the second leg of the
Harriman Expedition Retraced, which means I will cross the
International Date Line and visit Russia's Chukchi peninsula
-- two experiences that, back in third grade, I could not
have imagined.
My advice to young people
interested in marine science is to follow your heart. It can
be difficult to get your foot in the door, but hard work and
persistence can pay off. Learn as many skills as possible --
study science and policy, get "hands-on" technological
experience with GIS mapping or web site development. Don't
be afraid of technology or computers -- these are tools used
for learning about and protecting our coastal habitats.
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