Leaders in Science
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR)—or “NOAA Research”—provides the research foundation for understanding the complex systems that support our planet. Working in partnership with other organizational units of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a bureau of the Department of Commerce, NOAA Research enables better forecasts, earlier warnings for natural disasters, and a greater understanding of the Earth. Our role is to provide unbiased science to better manage the environment, nationally, and globally. Visit the OAR Strategy page to learn more.
NOAA and the nation depend on the cutting-edge science provided by its research programs. Recently, NOAA Research built much of the foundation for the modernization of the National Weather Service. The research programs provide the science necessary to help NOAA achieve its goals to:
Working under the broad themes of Climate, Weather and Air Quality, and Ocean and Coastal Resources, NOAA scientists study the ocean’s depths and the highest reaches of space to better understand our environment. NOAA’s long-term commitment to the highest quality research includes engaging in-house and extramural talent to:
Research plans and products are developed in partnership with academia and other federal agencies, and are peer-reviewed and widely distributed. A high premium is placed on external collaboration both domestically and internationally. In addition, personnel management practices of hiring, promotion, and awards are based on demonstrable capability through internal and external peer assessment. Peer review, collaboration, and partnerships ensure that NOAA’s research is of the highest quality and remains focused on critical issues.
NOAA is a world leader in environmental science today and is well positioned and organized to provide the sound scientific research policy-makers will always need. However, most of the environmental questions our nation and the world face are not easily answered. A strong NOAA is necessary to tackle the complex issues that only advanced scientific knowledge is able to adequately address. NOAA Research answers the call.
Click the photo icons to learn more about our leadership.
In October 2022, Steve Thur, Ph.D., a nationally recognized leader in coastal science and management, began his tenure as the Assistant Administrator for the NOAA Oceanic and Atmospheric Research
Steven Thur, Ph.D. is the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (NOAA Research).
Thur oversees the work of approximately 2,300 staff and the operations of ten laboratories and six programs. Thur guides the application of NOAA Research’s expertise, data and tools to better understand our planet and help us to make informed decisions to protect people and ecosystems. Thur’s career with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has focused on applying service through science in order to manage, restore, and conserve marine resources.
Prior to joining NOAA Research, Thur was Director of NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science from 2017 to 2022 and the Deputy Director from 2013 to 2017. From 2007 to 2013, he was the Coordinator of NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program, the nation’s premier coral reef science program. Dr. Thur was an economist for the NOAA Office of Response and Restoration from 2003 to 2007. During his tenure at NOAA, Thur has had a particular emphasis on how both the biophysical and social sciences are used to sustain coastal ecosystems and the vibrant human communities that depend upon them for livelihoods, recreation, and as a place for connecting with nature.
Thur received his Ph.D. in marine policy from the University of Delaware’s Graduate College of Marine Studies in 2003. His dissertation research was on sustainable financing mechanisms for coral reef marine protected areas. He holds Bachelor’s degrees in biology and economics from St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
In October 2022, Steve Thur, Ph.D., a nationally recognized leader in coastal science and management, began his tenure as the Assistant Administrator for the NOAA Oceanic and Atmospheric Research
The Deputy Assistant Administrator for Programs and Administration for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research is currently vacant. Emily Menashes, the former Deputy Assistant Administrator, is now the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Operations for NOAA Fisheries. Please find her current information here .
John Cortinas, Ph.D. is the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Science for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR).
Dr. Cortinas is responsible for overseeing the science activities undertaken by the approximately 600 employees at OAR’s 10 national laboratories and several OAR-wide offices. Previously, Cortinas served as director of NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) and two NOAA research programs. His career started as a research meteorologist at a university cooperative institute that focuses on severe weather research.
Prior to becoming the OAR Deputy Assistant Administrator for Science, Cortinas oversaw an expansive science portfolio from 2019-2024 as AOML director that focused on studying the weather, ocean, and ecosystems in the greater Atlantic Ocean region, Before AOML, he served nine years as Director of OAR’s Weather Program Office and eight years as Director of the OAR Cooperative Institute Office. Dr. Cortinas received a B.S. in Meteorology from Metropolitan State University, and a Ph.D. in Geophysical Sciences from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Throughout his career, Dr. Cortinas has been a passionate advocate for underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and math. He is a member of several scientific organizations that work to improve diversity. He has authored and co-authored many scientific articles and served on numerous American and international scientific working groups and committees. He is a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society and has received numerous awards, including a Presidential Rank Award in 2022.
NOAA Research is committed to achieving diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility at all levels of the organization. We recognize that this is not a short-term goal but one that requires a deliberate, sustained effort.
