Todd Jacobs
Deputy Superintendent
Todd. Jacobs@noaa.gov

Todd Jacobs is the Deputy Superintendent of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. He has worked for the National Ocean Service (NOS) of NOAA since 1989, when he was hired as the Research and Education Coordinator for the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.
He has held positions of progressively increasing responsibility in NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary Program, including serving as the founding Superintendent of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary and as Northwest Regional Representative of the National Marine Sanctuary Program, where he was NOAA’s point person on the Proposed Northwest Straits National Marine Sanctuary, in Washington’s Puget Sound. Todd has also been active in NOAA’s scientific diving program. He was raised locally and has been scuba diving and surfing at the Channel Islands since the late 1970s.Prior to his work with NOAA, Todd worked for the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, private environmental consulting firms, and for both UCSB and USC, where he worked as a research diver in the kelp beds offshore of the San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant.Todd holds a BA in social science with emphasis in environment from San Diego State University and an MBA in general management from the University of Washington. He has also received advanced training in dispute resolution and negotiation.

Mike Murray
Deputy Superintendent for Programs
Michael.Murray@noaa.gov

As Deputy Superintendent for Programs since April 2008, Michael Murray assists the Superintendent with overall management of the Sanctuary and works to integrate and enhance resource protection, research and monitoring, education and outreach, and maritime heritage program areas. Prior to this appointment, Michael first joined the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS) team in 1999 and very much enjoys helping to connect the local community to management of the Sanctuary in his ongoing role as Coordinator of the Sanctuary Advisory Council. Michael also serves as Management Pan Coordinator, a role focused on development a new management plan and updated regulations for the Sanctuary. Prior to his time at CINMS, Michael worked as a planner for NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries from 1995-1999 in Seattle, Washington on a feasibility study for a proposed National Marine Sanctuary site. Michael has also studied the management of marine protected areas (MPAs) since 1996, and was active in MPA planning for Puget Sound in Washington State from 1997-1999. Additionally, Michael serves as a member of the editorial board for MPA News, an international newsletter. Michael holds a Masters Degree in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Policy and Planning from California State University, Fullerton and a Bachelors degree in Business Administration from California State University, Long Beach. Raised in Hawaii and a life-long surfer, Michael enjoys living on the coast of Santa Barbara, California.

Steve Katz
Research Coordinator
Steve.Katz@noaa.gov

Dr. Steve Katz is the research coordinator for the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Dr. Katz joined the National Marine Sanctuary Program after 6 years at the National Marine Fisheries Service where he was the Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator for Salmon Recovery at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center in Seattle, Washington. At NMFS he coordinated Federal, State and Tribal programs to assess progress in the recovery of endangered salmon and steelhead trout in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana, and in particular evaluate the success of habitat restoration actions intended to improve conditions for fish. Dr. Katz is working here in Channel Islands to develop a similar scientific program to assess the status of the Sanctuary’s natural resources. Prior to this Dr. Katz has worked in the fields of ocean engineering, bioengineering and coastal ecology in California, Washington and British Columbia, Canada. Dr. Katz has a degree in Zoology and Biomechanics from the University of British Columbia and was a post-doctoral fellow at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, California. In addition, Dr. Katz has broad experience in research diving operations in academic programs and both civilian and military government programs.

Sean Hastings
Resource Protection Coordinator
Sean.Hastings@noaa.gov

Sean Hastings holds a Master of Marine Affairs Degree with a concentration in coastal zone management from the School of Marine Affairs at the University of Washington and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies through the University of California at Santa Cruz. Sean joined the CINMS in 1997 to coordinate Sanctuary research cruises. In 1998 Sean was nominated as a Presidential Management Intern and has been brought on as a policy program specialist working on CINMS policy issues related to offshore oil exploration and development, fishery management and research in the Santa Barbara Channel. Sean has had many unique field experiences, including backpacking on the Hawaiian Islands to study biogeography, travelling throughout California studying vegetation and resource management and serving as a naturalist for Ano Nuevo State Reserve.
In 1991, he worked as a deck hand ona fishing vessel out of Dutch harbor, Alaska, catching and processing king crab in the Bering Sea. From 1993 to 1995, Sean served as the program coordinator for the California Coastal Commision's Adopt-A-Beach and Coastal Cleanup Day program.
In addition to coordinating statewide beach cleanups he facilitated curriculum trainings for Bay area teachers. Sean is a native to Southern California and is an avid surfer, SCUBA, free diver and a sport fisherman.

Robert Schwemmer
Cultural Resources Coordinator
Robert.Schwemmer@noaa.gov

Robert Schwemmer is currently the Cultural Resources Coordinator for NOAA Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. He coordinates and performs archaeological resource investigations and research for the five National Marine Sanctuaries along the Pacific West Coast. This work includes recording and mapping submerged sites as well as the development of museum shipwreck exhibits correlating to the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and Santa Barbara region. Deepwater projects included submersible work aboard the Delta to perform a site assessment of the shipwreck Montebello located at a depth of 900 feet off Cambria, CA. Expeditions completed for the 2002 field season include a site assessment of the shipwreck PacBaroness located at a depth of 1460 feet of Point Conception, CA. and the recovery of the gun turret from the civil war navy ship USS Monitor of Cape Hatteras, NC. Schwemmer in the past was engaged in maritime research as a consultant to Federal and State Government agencies, including private and non-profit organizations.
Past projects have included systematic research in developing shipwreck assessments for the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and the Channel Islands National Park, and Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, and Dry Tortugas National Park. Schwemmer is a charter member and past President of the Los Angeles Maritime Museum Research Society. He currently serves as Vice-President of research for the Coastal Maritime Archaeology Resources (CMAR) organization.

Ben Waltenberger
Physical Scientist
Ben.Waltenberger@noaa.gov

Ben Waltenberger is a Physical Scientist specializing in Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing technologies. He processes and analyzes spatial data that are used to better understand and model sanctuary phenomena. Ben's work includes terrain and bathymetry modeling, satellite data integration, and general map and database design. Some of his current duties include GPS data collection for ground-truthing of shipwrecks within the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary; emergency response and site safety; and data collection and integration for the Sanctuary Aerial Monitoring and Spatial Analysis Program (SAMSAP).

Julie Bursek
Education Coordinator
Southern Office
Julie.Bursek@noaa.gov

Julie Bursek is the Education Coordinator for the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary's southern office in Channel Islands Harbor, working to develope education programs, products and partnerships that increase awareness about the sanctuary's cultural and living resources. Prior to her work with the National Marine Sanctuary Program, she spent over 10 years working in non-profit marine science educational organizations. Julie's training and intertidal and offshore field sampling techniques lends well to her hands-on approach to field science and environmental education. She's spent over 12 years conducting scientific investigations of the offshore, shallow subtidal and intertidal systems of the southern California Bight including the Channel Islands. Her professional experience includes the development and implementation of floating laboratory educational and research programs and the coordination of community based volunteer programs and partnerships with community businesses, science educators and research institutions to promote environmental awareness in the classroom, at community festivals and events. Julie holds a bachelor's degree in Aquatic Biology from University of California at Santa Barbara and a Master's degree in Biology from California State University Fullerton.

Shauna Bingham
Volunteer/Outreach Coordinator
Shauna.Bingham@noaa.gov

Shauna is the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator for the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. She joined the sanctuary team in 1998 and since then she has been instrumental in developing and maintaining the Channel Islands Naturalist Corps volunteer program, a joint program between the sanctuary and Channel Islands National Park, with over 150 volunteers trained to provide whale watch interpretation, guided island hikes, outreach, and research support. Shauna came to CINMS from the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History where she worked under a cooperative agreement with the sanctuary to coordinate whale watch volunteers and public education programs at the Sea Center aquarium. Before that she lived and worked on Catalina Island, where she taught hands-on marine science programs at the Catalina Island Marine Institute. She graduated from the University of Southern California with a BA in Political Science and Environmental Science, specializing in ocean policy. Shauna interned for the Presidents Council on Environmental Quality in Washington D.C., where she developed an interest in environmental education. She also received an A.S. degree in Marine Diving Technology at Santa Barbara City College, a program which includes training in surface supplied diving, remote operated vehicles, and hyperbaric chambers and she holds her U.S. Coast Guard 100 ton captain's license.

Natalie Senyk
Physical Scientist
Natalie.Senyk@noaa.gov

Natalie began as an intern in 2001 and now works as a scientific advisor at the Sanctuary. She is interested in the application of scientific research in the policy arena. Natalie has worked closely with Satie Airame on the scientific grounds of marine protected areas. She also has a GIS background, which comes in useful in her daily work at the Sanctuary. Natalie completed her B.S. in Environmental Science at Rutgers University and is currently finishing a Masters degree in the Interdisciplinary Marine Science Program at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her thesis consisted of developing a habitat model for giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera, a common and important nearshore marine macroalgae, and examining persistence patterns in the Channel Islands region. When not at work, Natalie enjoys spending time with family and friends, surfing, riding her bike and otherwise enjoying life.

Laura Francis
Education Coordinator
Laura.Francis@noaa.gov

Laura Francis is Education Coordinator at the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. She has more than 20 years of progressive experience in marine research and education positions including experience as a marine biologist, classroom teacher, environmental consultant and education coordinator. Since starting at the sanctuary in 1994, Laura has developed innovative marine education and international management capacity training programs that increase ocean literacy in classrooms, community groups, resource users, managers, the media and the public. At the sanctuary, Laura works on a variety of projects including professional development for teachers and creating education and outreach materials (print publications, video, and web products) designed to increase awareness and stewardship of our precious ocean environment. Laura is currently working on developing programs and exhibits for the Outreach Center for Teaching Ocean Science (OCTOS) now under construction at UC Santa Barbara. She is also developing education and communication strategies on the topic of ocean acidification. Laura earned her undergraduate degree at UC Berkeley in Zoology and her Masters at UC Santa Barbara in Deep Sea Biology. She finds her work most rewarding when she discovers new ways of connecting research to education and inspiring people to take responsibility for caring for our ocean.

Rebecca Young
Program Support Specialist
Rebecca.Young@noaa.gov

Rebecca Young joined the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary in May 2000. As Program Support Specialist she provides core operations support in the areas of budget, procurement, administration and office management. Rebecca also coordinates with local marine artist to provide exhibits for the Chase Palm Park Center in Santa Barbara as a way to educate the public about marine resources. Rebecca holds a bachelor’s of science in Aquatic Biology from the University of California Santa Barbara, and in her free time she enjoys dancing Argentine Tango.

Sara Hutto
California Sea Grant State Fellow
Sara.Hutto@noaa.gov
Sara Hutto joins the Resource Protection team of CINMS as a 2012 Sea Grant State Fellow. Originally from the east coast, Sara holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biological Sciences from Clemson University in South Carolina. A semester abroad in the Galapagos Islands turned Sara on to marine science, and she recently defended her master’s thesis on the recruitment patterns of the intertidal kelp Postelsia palmaeformis at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories. She has worked as a research and field technician for the 4 years she has lived in California, spending her time diving and working in the intertidal to study the impacts of climate change on kelp species. During her year with CINMS, Sara will be working closely with the resource protection coordinator, Sean Hastings, and other California sanctuaries on policy and management decisions to reduce ship strikes on large whales in the greater California region. Sara will also support Sanctuary Advisory Council
meetings, participate in public outreach and sanctuary monitoring activities, and assist with the
review and development of sanctuary research relevant to additional resource protection issues.

Rocio Lozano - Knowlton
Merito Bilingual Program Coordinator
Rocio.Lozano@noaa.gov

Rocío joined the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary as a community liaison in 2004 to conduct the needs assessment study and adaptation of the MERITO program to the Santa Barbara Channel region. She then developed the CINMS MERITO strategic plan and is now implementing the program in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. Born in Chihuahua, Mexico, Rocío has a B. Sc. Degree in Oceanography from UABC in Mexico and a  M. Sc. in Marine Resource Protection from Heriot Watt University in Scotland. She has dedicated the last 16 years of her life to marine science research, conservation, sustainable business and public outreach in Mexico, Scotland and now, California. Since 1996, Rocío has worked as a consultant and principal investigator for a number of organizations in marine resource protection projects such as the Shetland Islands oil spill impact assessment to the benthic organisms, the La Paz Artificial Reefs Management Program, developed whale shark management guidelines for ecotourism in Mexico, coordinated scientific workshops for the amendments of the Mexican shark fisheries management regulation in 2003, assessed the artisanal shark fisheries efforts in Chiapas Mexico, and strongly advocated for rational shark fisheries management in Mexico while she co-owned and operated a successful ecotourism and dive operation in La Paz, Baja Mexico known as ‘Baja Quest’. Rocío has worked in over 15 natural history documentaries of the Sea of Cortez or Baja’s Pacific Ocean islands as an on-camera talent or expedition coordinator.

Danielle Lipski
Research Specialist
Danielle.Lipski@noaa.gov

Dani Lipski works as the research specialist at the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary where her responsibilities are related to research permits, research outreach, field work, data processing and analysis and Research Activities Panel support. Originally from the east coast, she received her bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and went on to work as a research biologist at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center near Annapolis, Maryland. Dani recently received her master’s degree in ecology from San Diego State University where she studied recruitment of fishes to seagrasses. Her professional interests focus on habitat use and applied marine conservation research. A scientific SCUBA diver, she is looking forward to training for NOAA diver certification.

LTJG Lyndsey Keen
Vessel Operations Coordinator
Lyndsey.Keen@noaa.gov

Lyndsey Keen joined the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary in September 2011 as Vessel Operations Coordinator, responsible for organizing operations and ensuring proper maintenance of the sanctuary’s research vessels. She has been with NOAA since 2009, and previously served aboard the NOAA Ship Hi’ialakai as Safety and Navigation Officer. The ship conducted oceanographic and coral reef research in the Hawaiian Islands, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, American Samoa, and Northern Mariana Islands. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from the University of West Florida. In addition, she has 7+ years SCUBA diving experience and recently became a NOAA Working Diver. She enjoys diving, swimming, running, hiking, outdoor activities, and traveling. She is looking forward to continuing her NOAA Corps career at CINMS.

Terrence Shinn
RV Shearwater Captain

Terrence Shinn joined the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary in August of 2003 to serve as Captain of the newly finished research boat the Shearwater. He has been a USCG licensed captain for 21 years and has been working on research boats in and around the Channel Islands for the majority of those years. He has worked on a wide variety of vessels including tugboats, container ships, banana boats, tanker ships, and many different research boats. In addition to working as a captain, he has extensive experience working as a Marine Engineer, a Marine Surveyor, and a Commercial diver.
Terrence holds a Bachelors degree from the California Maritime Academy in Nautical Industrial Technology.
In his spare time he owns a personal boat and has enjoyed cruising the Pacific Northwest all the way up to Alaska where he recently spent 5 months. Born and raised in the Ventura area he has always enjoyed accessing the backcountry via motorcycle around the Ventura and Santa Barbara area.

Charlie Lara
RV Shearwater 1st Mate

Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Charles worked for a local marine oil spill response co-op in 1990 on the Mr. Clean II. When the vessel sold in 1991 to Clean Islands Council of Hawaii, Charles made the move. Charles spent seven and a half years in Hawaii working with the Clean Islands Council during which time he received his captains license, AB and Tankermans endorsements. In 1997 he was on the move again, loading and discharging fuel barges for Tesoro Hawaii. In 2000, Charles came back to the mainland and secured a position as a vessel operator for a local commercial diving contractor. While working with the diving contractor, Charles became interested in the physics of diving; in 2003 he completed the Commercial Diving Program at the Santa Barbara city college. Charles enjoys scuba diving, kite boarding & mountain biking.

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