President's Panel for Ocean Exploration Oral History Project

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  • Collection DOI:
    Principal Investigator:
    Joanne Flanders

  • In the second half of 2020, Joanne Flanders conducted a series of Oral History interviews on behalf of the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research (OER) around the topic of ocean exploration, with the objectives of providing interviews to the NOAA Voices Oral History Archives and initiating a collection on the topic. OER is also interested in using elements of the interviews in its own outreach and education products, including those created to inspire the next generation of explorers. Five ocean explorers participated including several members of the President's Panel for Ocean Exploration, a group whose recommendations led to the creation of OER 20-years ago. In the future, additional interviews will be conducted by OER, and possibly by other NOAA programs as well who are involved with the topic

Interviewee Collection Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
Jyotika Virmani President's Panel for Ocean Exploration Oral History Project

On September 11, 2020, Joanne Flanders interviewed Dr. Jyotika Virmani via the Zoom platform. Dr. Virmani participated from Los Angeles, California, while the interviewer was in Bethesda, Maryland. The interview covers Dr. Virmani's early life, including her childhood in Manchester, UK, her family’s migration experiences, and her multicultural upbringing.

 Joanne Flanders Los Angeles, CA NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research
Larry Mayer President's Panel for Ocean Exploration Oral History Project

On September 18, 2020, Joanne Flanders interviewed Dr. Larry Mayer. The interview focuses on Dr. Mayer's background, including his family’s immigration history from Germany to escape Nazi persecution and their settlement in New York City. Mayer reflects on his upbringing in the Bronx during the 1950s and 60s, his early passion for oceanography, and the pivotal moments that guided his academic and professional pursuits.

 Joanne Flanders Lee, NH NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research
Paul G. Gaffney, II President's Panel for Ocean Exploration Oral History Project

On September 9, 2020, Joanne Flanders interviewed Vice Admiral Paul G. Gaffney II (USN, Ret.) via Zoom for a retrospective oral history. Gaffney reflects on his early life in Attleboro, Massachusetts, his family's Irish-American and German heritage, and his formative experiences, including his interest in oceanography sparked by summers on Martha’s Vineyard.

 Joanne Flanders Columbia, SC NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research
Shirley Pomponi President's Panel for Ocean Exploration Oral History Project

On September 30, 2020, Joanne Flanders interviewed Dr. Shirley Pomponi for the Ocean Exploration and Research Collection. Dr. Pomponi discusses her extensive career in ocean exploration, natural product discovery, and her work with human-occupied vehicles. Born in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1949, and raised in Penns Grove, New Jersey, Dr. Pomponi shares insights into her Italian-American heritage and early influences, including her parents' experiences during World War II and her mother's work as a nurse for migrant worker children.

 Joanne Flanders Fort Pierce, FL NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research
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