Heather Benway, PhD – Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Dr. Benway is a Senior Research Specialist at WHOI and serves as the Executive Officer of the Ocean Carbon and Biogeochemistry (OCB) Project Office. OCB is a network of scientists who work across disciplines to understand the ocean’s role in the global carbon cycle and the response of marine ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles to environmental change. In this role, she serves as the spokesperson for the OCB Program and is the lead PI for the OCB Project Office, which receives funding from NSF and NASA. Heather and her small team in the OCB office work closely with scientists, federal agency managers, and other partners to cultivate new research areas and funding opportunities. With two graduate degrees and research experience in the interdisciplinary fields of oceanography, climate science, and ecology, she brings a breadth of expertise to this role, which enables her to deftly navigate and build communities across ocean science disciplines and contribute to high-level strategic planning. She has also served as a John A. Knauss Marine Policy fellow (’97) and worked as a program manager at NOAA. Additional information

Scott Braun, PhD – NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Dr. Braun, a distinguished research meteorologist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, is internationally recognized for his expertise in hurricane science. With a Ph.D. in atmospheric sciences from the University of Washington and a bachelor’s degree in meteorology from San Francisco State University, Scott’s career spans over two decades of impactful research. As Project Scientist for initiatives such as the Earth System Observatory-Atmosphere Observing System (ESO-AOS) and the Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation structure and storm Intensity with a Constellation of Smallsats (TROPICS) mission, he leads pioneering efforts in understanding aerosols, clouds, convection, and precipitation patterns. Recognized with prestigious awards including Fellow of the American Meteorological Society and the NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal, Scott’s contributions continue to shape our understanding of hurricanes and their impacts on Earth’s climate system. Additional information

Gokhan Danabasoglu, PhD – UCAR
Dr. Danabasoglu is a Senior Scientist in the Oceanography Section of the Climate and Global Dynamics division in NESL. The general subjects of his research are understanding the role of the oceans in the earth’s climate system and computational modeling of the ocean as geophysical fluid. His interests include developing subgrid scale parameterizations to represent unresolved physics in ocean general circulation models and investigating mechanisms and potential predictability associated with the (multi)decadal variability of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation. He is currently serving as a co-chair of the Community Earth System Model Ocean Model Working Group and a co-chair of the CLIVAR Working Group on Ocean Model Development. His publications include over 50 research papers.  Additional information

Isabela Le Bras, PhD – Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Dr. Le Bras is an Assistant Scientist at WHOI and serves as the principal investigator of the  Observing ocean circulation lab. She is focused on observing ocean circulation and understanding its underlying physics. Ultimately, they seek to quantify the role of ocean circulation in the climate system. Specific areas of interest include the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), an intricate system of currents that stabilizes the earth’s climate by redistributing heat, salt, oxygen, and carbon on a global scale, and high-latitude ocean dynamics and the linkages between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. Additional information.

Avichal Mehra, PhD – NOAA National Weather Service
Dr. Mehra is the Deputy Director of the NOAA/NWS/Ocean Prediction Center. He was most recently the Chief of the Coupled Modeling Division at NOAA/NWS/NCEP/EMC. His notable achievements include advancements in ocean modeling, notably with models like HYCOM (HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model), and coupled models such as NOAA’s Global Forecast System (GFS) and Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting (HWRF) model. He played a pivotal role in the development and subsequent operational implementation of the Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System (HAFS), the first hurricane application of NOAA’s Unified Forecast System. Through his service, Dr. Mehra continues to shape the forefront of atmospheric and oceanic research, empowering NOAA’s mission to deliver accurate and actionable forecasts for the benefit of society.

Frank Muller-Karger, PhD – University of South Florida
Dr. Muller-Karger is a Professor of Biological Oceanography and Remote Sensing at the University of South Florida College of Marine Science. He studies coastal and marine ecosystems including the links between water quality, biological production, and biodiversity, and how these may be connected to climate change and human activities. Muller-Karger serves as co-lead of the US and international Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON), the Marine Life 2030 program endorsed by the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, and the NOAA Climate Program Office/Sanctuaries Climate Indicator Task Force. He received the individual William T. Pecora Award in 2021, is an AAAS Fellow, and served in the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. Muller-Karger promotes science and technology, working with the public to advance environmental conservation, locally, nationally, and internationally. Additional information

2025 AOML Laboratory Review 

February 25-27, 2025

4301 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL.

Logistics: 

Hotel:  Aloft Miami – Brickell, “NOAA/AOML Lab Review Room Block Feb2024″  (305) 854-6300.

Agenda: 

Detailed agenda (click HERE)

Tuesday, February 25: Day 1 

8:30am    Arrival, Coffee

9:00am    NOAA Research Overview and Discussion

9:45am    AOML Overview and Discussion

12:00pm  Informal lunch with early career professionals

1:00pm    Question 1 Presentations and Discussion

4:30pm    Reviewer discussion (closed) 

5:00pm    Adjourn

Wednesday, February 26: Day 2 

9:00am    Question 1 continued

10:45am   Question 1 Stakeholder discussion (closed) 

10:45am   Concurrent Line Office Session (LO reps, AOML Leadership & OAR HQ)

11:30pm   Lunch with AOML Leadership (closed)

12:30pm   Question 2 Presentations and discussion

4:30pm     Question 2 Stakeholder discussion (closed)

5:00pm     Reviewer discussion (closed)

5:30pm     Adjourn

Thursday, February 27: Day 3

9:00am    Question 3

11:00am   Question 3 Stakeholder discussion (closed)

12:00pm   Working lunch (closed)

1:00pm     Question 4

3:00pm    Question 4 Stakeholder discussion (closed)

3:00pm    Concurrent OAR Session (OAR and AOML Leadership)

3:30pm    Reviewer discussion (closed)

4:30pm    Preliminary Panel Impressions & Clarifying Questions 

5:00pm    Adjourn

The Atlantic Oceanographic & Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) is a federal research laboratory in Miami, Florida. As a part of NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, we study hurricanes, coastal ecosystems, oceans and human health, climate, global carbon, and how the ocean changes over time. We partner with many NOAA offices and Cooperative Institutes to support NOAA’s mission and improve prediction and management services for the nation.

Our Mission

To conduct and transition world-class Earth system research, with a focus on the Atlantic Ocean region, to inform: the accurate forecasting of extreme weather and ocean phenomena, the management of marine resources, and an understanding of climate change and associated impacts, thereby improving ocean and weather services for the region, the nation, and the world.

Our Vision

Be the leader in Earth system research in the Atlantic Ocean region, providing trusted scientific data and knowledge to predict changes in weather, climate, oceans, and marine ecosystems.

About AOML

Leadership

Hurricane Research Division – see Division Project Catalog here.

Ocean Chemistry & Ecosystems Division – see Division Project Catalog  here.

Physical Oceanography Division – see Division Project Catalog here.

Supplemental Documents

NOAA AOML: The first ten years

Publications

FY2024 Accomplishments report

Awards 2020-2024

Project Readiness Level Report

Partners and projects

Department of Commerce strategic plan (2022-2026)

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration strategic plan (2022-2026)

Office of Oceanic & Atmospheric Research (2020-2026)

Atlantic Oceanographic & Meteorological Laboratory (2022-2026)

About AOML  (overview video)

– AOML strategic plans, management, and transitions (video)

– Cooperative Institutes:
Cooperative Institute of Marine & Atmospheric Studies   (CIMAS video)
Northern Gulf Institute  (NGI)

Question 1 (introduction video)

As NOAA’s Atlantic-focused research laboratory, what should AOML’s role be in collecting foundational observations and improving understanding of climate mean state and variability and associated impacts?

 Theme 1

– AOML Argo and Drifter Data Assembly Centers (slides)

– AOML Contributions to Observing the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (slides)

– Attributing the Historical AMOC Changes (slides)

 Theme 2

– Observing the Air-Sea Interface (slides)

– Observing Essential Ocean Variables: Ocean Carbon & Biogeochemistry (slides)

– Routine Monitoring of Marine Communities Using ‘omics Approaches (slides)

– Monitoring Coral Reef Ecosystem Environments (slides)

– Discovering the Role of Long-Term Marine Ecosystem Changes (slides)

 Theme 3

– The Ocean and Extreme Weather (slides)

– Seasonal Hurricane Outlooks (slides)

– Impacts of the Tropical Atlantic Ocean on Hurricane Intensification and Development (slides)

– Large-Scale Sea Level Changes & Coastal Inundation (slides)

Question 2 (introduction video)

As NOAA’s Atlantic-focused research laboratory, what should AOML’s role be in improving our monitoring, understanding, and prediction of tropical cyclones and ocean phenomena as well as their broader impacts on extreme events and associated hazards?

 Theme 1

– Preparing the Armada: NOAA’s Hurricane Field Program (slides)

– NOAA Airborne Radar: Operational Support (poster)

– NOAA Airborne Radar: Research (poster)

– Uncrewed Aircraft

– Uncrewed Marine Systems: Oceans Observations and Hurricane Forecasting (poster)

– Uncrewed Marine Systems: Coordinated Saildrone Observations in Hurricanes (poster)

– Uncrewed Marine Systems: Productivity at the base of the food web increases following a hurricane; new subsurface detections (poster)

– Dropsonde Data in Tropical Cyclones (poster)

– Understanding Conflicting Data (poster)

 Theme 2

– Advancing Data Assimilation Techniques (slides)

– Using Reconnaissance Data to Improve TC Forecasts (slides)

– Oceanic Data Assimilation & Impacts of Ocean Observations on Hurricane Prediction (slides)

 Theme 3

– Advancing Model Developments & R20 (HFIP) (slides)

– Ocean Modeling for Improvement of Hurricane Forecasts (slides)

– Statistical Modeling (slides)

– Artificial Intelligence for Hurricane Research and Development (slides)

Question 3 (introduction video)

As NOAA’s Atlantic-focused research laboratory, what should AOML’s role be in understanding the distribution and impact of multiple stressors on marine ecosystems?

– Observing Basin-Scale Ecosystem Dynamics with Satellite Remote Sensing: Seascapes, Sargassum, Vibrio (slides)

– Generating Ecosystem Assessments for Decision Makers and the Public (slides)

– Providing Actionable Information for Climate-Ready Decision Making (slides)

– Quantifying the Response of Microscopic Calcifying Marine Organisms to Ocean Acidification and Alkalinization (slides)

– Informing Reef Conservation and Restoration Through Experimental Manipulations (slides)

Question 4

As NOAA’s Atlantic-focused research laboratory, what should AOML’s role be in developing its work environment for the continued pursuit of world-class science, and building strong connections with communities and stakeholders to ensure broad access to science results? ?

– Data Accessibility (slides)