“The EPP/MSI Program is NOAA’s largest investment in post-secondary education and future workforce development,” Spinrad told the gathering. “Thousands of students have gone through the program in the last 20 years. EPP/MSI students are trained by faculty, mentored by NOAA staff, and earn degrees in disciplines that are in line with NOAA priorities.”
Spinrad said he would like to see more EPP/MSI Program graduates (working) at the agency.
“We want to make sure that NOAA is representative of the nation it serves and is as diverse as the American population. We are not there yet,” said Spinrad, who added that the agency has been given tools, such as direct hiring authority, to recruit and hire scientists from under-represented groups. “How can we be more aggressive in using those tools to address those questions.”
The event is being held in the Al Lawson Multipurpose Center April 6-8. The theme of the Forum is “Two Decades of Excellence: Nurturing Future Leaders in STEM.”
Participants in the conference came from as far away as California, New York, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. And, some registrants will participate online.