On July 10, 2024, Molly Graham interviewed Juliana Blackwell for the NOAA Heritage Oral History project. Juliana P. Blackwell was the Director of NOAA's National Geodetic Survey (NGS), where she oversaw the financial, administrative, and programmatic performance of NGS, including the management of the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS). During her tenure, she held key leadership roles in geodetic surveying and positioning activities across the United States and served on several federal committees related to geodetic and hydrographic services. The interview covers a broad spectrum of Blackwell’s life, starting with her childhood in Rockville. Blackwell highlights her academic journey, including her time at Robert E. Peary High School, where she excelled in science and mathematics, eventually graduating as valedictorian. She attended Tufts University and, after college, began her career in the federal government as a secretary at the Public Health Service Commissioned Personnel Center, a role that introduced her to the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps. Inspired by NOAA’s mission and opportunities, she joined the Corps in 1990, where she underwent officer training and embarked on a career that included assignments aboard NOAA ships and significant contributions to geodetic surveying using GPS technology. Blackwell shares experiences as a NOAA Corps officer, her transition to civilian roles within NOAA, and her personal reflections on the support she received throughout her career. She also touches on her family life, including her marriage to fellow NOAA Corps officer John Blackwell, and her decision to retire early to spend more time with her family. 

On July 18, 2024, Molly Graham interviewed Juliana Blackwell for the NOAA Heritage Oral History Project. Juliana Blackwell, a long-serving director of NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey (NGS), reflects on her career, her leadership roles, and the significant contributions she made to the field of geodesy. Blackwell discusses her early career transition from the NOAA Corps to a civilian role in the NGS, where she initially served as the Field Operations Liaison, applying her experience in geodetic and hydrographic surveying to support field operations and the development of GPS technology for surveying. She discusses her pivotal role in leading the Height Modernization Program, a critical effort aimed at improving the accuracy of elevation measurements across the United States. Blackwell describes the challenges and advancements in geodetic surveying, including the introduction of new technologies and partnerships that facilitated more precise GPS data collection. She also highlights the importance of gravity data in improving geodetic accuracy, leading to the development of the GRAV-D program, which aimed to enhance the National Spatial Reference System by incorporating detailed airborne gravity measurements. Blackwell reflects on her tenure as the first woman to serve as the Director of NGS, discussing the strategic initiatives she led, including the modernization of the National Spatial Reference System and the transition to a regional advisor program. She also addresses the challenges posed by government shutdowns, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of mentoring within NOAA. Throughout the interview, Blackwell emphasizes the importance of collaboration, innovation, and leadership in advancing the mission of NGS and supporting the nation’s geodetic needs.