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OR&R Staff Spotlight: Amy Uhrin

MAY 26, 2017--Amy V. Uhrin is the Chief Scientist for the NOAA Marine Debris Division (MDD) based in Silver Spring, MD.

Amy joined MDD in June 2015. As Chief Scientist, Amy’s primary responsibility is to oversee the Division’s research portfolio. Amy leads the Division’s Science Team in establishing research priorities and developing annual implementation plans for actions related to the Research and Assessment Goal of MDD’s 2016-2020 Strategic Plan.

Prior to joining the Marine Debris Program, Amy spent 15 years as a Research Ecologist with NOS/NCCOS where she conducted original applied research focusing largely on seagrass restoration ecology and the ability of seagrass ecosystems to recover naturally from vessel grounding injuries as well as marine debris issues, mainly the distribution, abundance, and habitat impacts of derelict commercial spiny lobster traps in south Florida.
Amy holds a BS in Biology from St. Bonaventure University (Olean, NY) and a MS in Marine Science from the University of Puerto Rico. She is currently a PhD candidate (Department of Zoology) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with an anticipated graduation date of spring 2018. Her dissertation addresses thresholds in hydrodynamic drivers of seagrass spatial configuration and the implications for coastal ecosystem resilience as well as how climate change (increasing hurricane intensity) may contribute to unprecedented loadings of derelict fishing gear to the Florida Keys ecosystem (a scenario study).
As a native of western Pennsylvania, Amy is an avid fan of all Pittsburgh sports teams. She enjoys participating in all manner of outdoor activities and has enjoyed exploring the DC area.

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Woman wearing glasses.
Amy V. Uhrin, Chief Scientist for the Marine Debris Division. Image credit: NOAA.
Last updated Tuesday, November 8, 2022 1:52pm PST