DECK OFFICERS

Operations Officer - LT Megan Nadeau, Hometown: Lewiston/Auburn, ME

LT Nadeau graduated from the University of Maine, Orono in 2004 with a B.S. in Marine Sciences. Her first sea tour was onboard the NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson, conducting hydrographic surveys to update NOAA's nautical charts along the Eastern seaboard. On her shore assignment with the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, Megan worked with the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer from shore and sailed as a mapping watch stander many cruises. Gaining experience with ocean exploration both on shore and at sea helped her prepare for the dynamic role of Operations Officer. Megan likes to visit new places, try new things, and enjoys sunshine and saltwater. Everyone else enjoys trying to get Megan to snort while laughing.

Junior Officer - LTjg Matthew O’Leary, Hometown: Stony Brook, NY

LTjg O’Leary grew up on Long Island and in Florida, where he grew to appreciate warm weather. He attended Webb Institute, where he graduated in 2007 with a degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. After graduation, Matt worked at a shipyard in Florida building offshore supply vessels to work in the Gulf. Matt then moved to South Florida and did various odd jobs, working mainly in the yacht industry. He somehow found his way from there into the NOAA Corps where he aspires to excel at shiphandling, thespian acting, and all forms of extreme science. His favorite activity is flinging himself out of perfectly good airplanes—usually with a parachute attached.

Junior Officer - ENS Rivera, Hometown: Arecibo, Puerto Rico

ENS Rivera grew up in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. He earned a BS in 2009 from Jarvis Christian College (Texas). Prior to joining the NOAA Corps Rivera was awarded a position with a Puerto Rican AA baseball team, but respectfully declined in order to report to BOTC. His hobbies include baseball, lifting, hunting, diving and reading. Rivera is looking forward to a unique, exciting career that will allow him to be of service to his country and the environment.

Junior Officer - ENS Brian Kennedy, Hometown: Athens, GA

Brian graduated from the College of Charleston in 2009 with a B.S in Marine Biology, and joined NOAA Corps directly after. As a hobby, Brian collects certifications: he has earned a private pilot’s license, is a master SCUBA diver, nationally registered emergency medical technician, and a second degree black belt. The thing he likes the most about the NOAA Corps is there is always an opportunity to learn something new, like co-ed synchronized swimming with dolphins.