NASA's Chief Scientist and Deputy Chief Scientist visit NGI and GOMA

March 24, 2014

NASA Chief Scientist Dr. Ellen Stofan and NASA Deputy Chief Scientist Dr. Gale Allen recently visited the Stennis Space Center (SSC) in south Mississippi to review the research being performed at the center.

As part of their visit, Dr. Stofan and Dr. Allen met with NGI Co-Director Steve Ashby and Laura Bowie, Executive Director of the Gulf of Mexico Alliance, at the MSU Science and Technology Center located at the SSC. Dr. Stofan and Dr. Allen were specifically interested in how the successful collaborative efforts in the Gulf region work, especially related to federal agencies and their support for regional priorities. Ashby described the major research themes and discussed some ongoing NGI research conducted by Dr. Bob Arnone using satellite imagery for mapping harmful algal blooms. Along with Duane Armstrong (GOMA AMT member from NASA), they explained how Gulf organizations work well together because they realize the value in collaboration to accomplish common goals. Dr. Stofan and Dr. Allen learned how NASA's data supports Gulf regional initiatives such as habitat mapping and nutrient distribution modeling.

To learn more about the collaborative research being performed, visit the NGI website.