Research Highlights
Research Interests
Using molecular elements — like DNA, RNA, or proteins — to track the status and trends of marine life so that we may sustain our ecosystem resources.
Moving autonomous molecular sensing into operations to cost-effectively provide improved monitoring coverage.
Kelly Goodwin, Ph.D.
Microbiologist, Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystems Division
954.593.5253 (COVID Telework)/858.564.7143 (Office)
SWFSC 8604 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037-1508
“I’m a microbiologist, so what has always drawn me to the oceans is biology of all kinds — even the kind that you can’t see. They’re these tiny things that affect the whole world, and I’ve always found that fascinating.”
Dr. Kelly Goodwin is a marine microbial microbiologist with the Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystems Division (OCED) of the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML). She primes development, validation, application, and technology transfer of molecular biological tools to address a variety of NOAA mission objectives, including improved assessment of ecosystem status through tools such as environmental DNA (eDNA) and characterization of marine microbiomes. Dr. Goodwin catalyzed the establishment of an OAR program in ‘omics that strengthens communication and coordination between NOAA line offices and provides strategic external partnerships. Dr. Goodwin is chair of the NOAA ‘Omics Working Group and Vice-Chair of the NOAA Science & Technology Synergy Committee, both under the auspices of the NOAA Research Council. In these roles, she works with colleagues across the agency to help NOAA better monitor and understand the biological communities of the oceans and Great Lakes, and was the lead architect of the NOAA ‘Omics Strategy, ‘Omics Strategic Plan, Fact Sheet, and White Paper, which describes how NOAA is harnessing the ability to analyze DNA, RNA and small proteins deliver faster, less invasive, & more comprehensive biological observations. Dr. Goodwin is also responsible for creating the first environmental molecular microbiology laboratory at AOML which focuses on using DNA signatures to understand the sources of imparied coastal water quality. Dr. Goodwin graduated with high honors from the University of Florida and later earned her Ph.D. and M.S. in Environmental Engineering Science with a minor in Oceanography from the California Institute of Technology.
NOAA Research Scientist Profiles: The building blocks of life: A day in the life of a NOAA ‘omics scientist.
To view additional articles Click here.
Current Work
On detail with NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration serving in the role of ‘omics lead for OAR
Chair, NOAA ‘Omics Working Group
Vice Chair, NOAA Science and Technology Synergy Committee
Co-Chair, Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance Marine Microbiome Working Group
National Ocean Partnership Program (NOPP) Biodiversity Interagency Working Group
1996, Ph.D. Environmental Engineering Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA
1993, Subject Minor Oceanography, California Institute of Technology at Scripps Institute of Oceanography, San Diego, CA
1991, M.S. Environmental Engineering Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA
1988, B.S. Neurobiological Science, high honors, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Gold, Z., R.P. Kelly, A.O. Shelton, A.R. Thompson, K.D. Goodwin, R. Gallego, K.M. Parsons, L.R. Thompson, D. Kacev, and P.H. Barber. Archived DNA reveals marine heatwave-associated shifts in fish assemblages. Environmental DNA, 6:e400, https://doi.org/10.1002/edn3.400 2024
Ref. 4248 - Kelly, R.P., D.M. Lodge, K.N. Lee, S. Theroux, A.J. Sepulveda, C.A. Scholin, J.M. Craine, E. Andruszkiewicz Allan, K.M. Nichols, K.M. Parsons, K.D. Goodwin, Z. Gold, F.P. Chavez, R.T. Noble, C.L. Abbott, M.R. Baerwald, A.M. Naaum, P.M. Thielen, A.L. Simons, C.L. Jerde, J.J. Duda, M.E. Hunter, J.A. Hagan, R.S. Meyer, J.A. Steele, M.Y. Stoeckle, H.M. Bik, C.P. Meyer, E. Stein, K.E. James, A.C. Thomas, E. Demir-Hilton, M.A. Timmers, J.F. Griffith, M.J. Weise, and S.B. Weisberg. Toward a national eDNA strategy for the United States. Environmental DNA, 6:e432, https://doi.org/10.1002/edn3.432 2024
Ref. 4277 - Lim, S.J., L.R. Thompson, and K.D. Goodwin. Genetic features of the marine polychaete Sirsoe methanicola from metagenomic data. Frontiers in Marine Science, 9:1067482, https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.1067482 2023
Ref. 4218
Department of Commerce Bronze Medal, Leadership 2020
The highest medal awarded by the NOAA Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere for advancing awareness and application of ’omics research for a strategic NOAA vision to shape science priorities and implementation of research
Outstanding Scientific Paper Award, Oceans & Great Lakes Category 2018
Recognizes the preeminent science that OAR employees and affiliates publish through rigorous peer review processes
AOML Performance Award 2018
For increasing AOML visibility through the NOAA Research Database
NOAA Certificate of Appreciation 2016
In recognition of pioneering work to establish a research program within NOAA for the study of ´omics and its importance to marine ecosystems globally
Department of State Certificate of Appreciation 2015
Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs for contributions to the World Ocean Assessment Review Process
NOAA Technology Transfer Award 2012
Exemplary activities that promote the domestic transfer of science and technology developed within NOAA and result in the use of such science and technology by American industry or business, universities, State or local Government, or other non-Federal parties
NOAA Certificates of Recognition or Appreciation
AOML Leadership in SEE-Related Integrated Response 2012
Advancing NOAA’s Priorities through Regional Collaboration 2012
Contribution to Ecosystem Goals 2010
Exemplary One-NOAA Efforts 2009
Takeda Techno-Entrepreneurship Award Finalist Commendation 2001
National Research Council Postdoctoral Associateship 1995, 1996, 1997
Recognition of USGS Special Act Service Award 1997
National Institute of Health Biotechnology Training Grant 1994, 1995
Soroptimist Society Fellowship 1990
Caltech Tuition Award 1989
University of Florida Graduation with High Honors 1988
Golden Key National Honor Society 1987
Phi Beta Kappa, early admission 1986