Studying marine ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles in the face of environmental change

Project Office

Project Office Roles

Coordinate workshops, PI meetings, short courses, working groups, and synthesis activities
Contribute to relevant U.S. and international science planning initiatives
Serve as central information hub (web, twitter, biweekly eNewsletter) for its network
Develop and disseminate education and outreach activities and products
Train the next generation of ocean scientists and engage early career scientists in OCB activities

Staff Members

Heather Benway, Executive Officer

With two graduate degrees in oceanography, Heather’s research has focused on nutrient cycling and paleoceanography, both highly interdisciplinary areas involving the complex interplay between marine ecosystems and biogeochemistry. She also has federal agency program management experience and a broader interest in scientific planning and policy, which is why she joined the OCB Project Office in 2007 upon completing postdoctoral research at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

Mai Maheigan, Communications Officer

Mai studied coral reef ecology for her graduate work then pursued her interest in communication strategy and science writing at the NOAA Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary and two marine conservation nonprofits before joining the OCB project office in 2016.

Mary Zawoysky, Administrative Associate

Mary graduated from Carlow College in Pittsburgh, PA with a double major in art and business management, and has taken many science courses afterwards which led her to a research assistant position at WHOI with Jean Whelan. She was then recruited to the administrative position with the U.S. JGOFS office and now works half-time for the OCB office. Mary is responsible for logistics for meeting planning, some web site responsibilities, accounting and anything else that comes up in support of OCB.

Funding for the Ocean Carbon & Biogeochemistry Project Office is provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The OCB Project Office is housed at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.