NOAA Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center Scholar and alumni, Benjamin Frey and Victoria Moreno, respectively, are both 2022 John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program recipients. The federal program, supported by NOAA Sea Grant, provides graduate students with unique educational and professional opportunities in the areas of ocean and coastal sciences.
Frey and Moreno were two of 69 students selected for the 2022 program. Frey, who is pursuing his master’s degree in Ecological Systems from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, started his fellowship on Feb. 1. He works for the Marine Debris Program for the Ocean Plastics/Microplastics division of the National Ocean Service – Office of Response and Restoration agency, located in Silver Spring, Md. Frey’s work consists of addressing the growing problem of waste found in oceans.
“There is a large issue of derelict fishing gear being left in ocean waters,” stated Frey. “Often times fishermen leave fishing gear, including crab pots and oyster cages, in various bodies of water. My role at the National Ocean Service consists of collaborating with other countries to create response and restoration agreements. Our agency has done a good job with creating recycling programs that successfully address the issue of debris in our nations’ waters. My work involves helping other countries create recycling initiatives that mirror the programs we have implemented here in the United States.”
Frey is not the only NOAA scholar to earn a Knauss Fellowship, but Victoria Moreno is also a recipient of the prestigious award. A recent graduate of the Center who earned her master’s degree in Public Policy from Oregon State University, Moreno is now serving as the Special Assistant to the Assistant Administrator in NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research. Her responsibilities include supporting the Assistant Administrator’s front office team, aiding in the implementation of the office’s agenda and ensuring the office meets its goals.
“It is my primary duty to work with the front office team to ensure the Assistant Administrator is supported at all times,” said Moreno. “I serve as an additional pair of eyes and ears in meetings and make sure that agendas are talked through and actions are taken to complete those agendas.”
Both Frey and Moreno will serve in their positions for one full year, with their fellowships ending in January 2023. When asked what they hope to do upon completing their federal roles, both are hopeful that new opportunities will present themselves.
“Working with the Assistant Administrator is very insightful,” stated Moreno. I am very open to career opportunities that may present themselves after the fellowship and possibly continuing a career with the federal government.”
