Marine Geographer
BA Physical Geography, Ohio Wesleyan University
MA Geography/Coastal Geomorphology, East Carolina University
Brian is responsible for the management, analysis, and cartographic production of high resolution marine geophysical survey data. Additional duties include assisting in survey operations, collection, and processing of sidescan, swath bathymetry, and seismic data. Areas of expertise include GIS, spatial analysis, and marine operations.
Wayne Baldwin (wbaldwin@usgs.gov)
Marine Geologist
MS Geology, University of South Carolina, Columbia
Wayne is involved in the acquisition, processing, interpretation of geophysical data, including sidescan-sonar, single-beam and swath bathymetry and seismic-reflection data. He works with marine technicians in maintaining data quality while in the field. Additionally, he works collaboratively with other scientists during regional coastal erosion studies and other high-resolution sea floor mapping investigations.
Dann Blackwood (dblackwood@usgs.gov)
Marine Visual Imaging Technologist
AS Oceanographic Technology, Florida Institute of Technology
BS Photography, Syracuse University
Dann uses a wide variety of imaging technologies to help the WHSC's research. He designs, develops, builds, and is responsible for the field operation of various ground truth aquisition systems, including the SEABOSS (SeaBottom Observation and Sampling System) critical in the interpretation of acoustic data. He is responsible for the processing, i nterpretation, management and integration of sea floor photograph and video images that ground-truth systems provide. He SCUBA dives to obtain photographic and video images, samples, and to support underwater systems for the WHSC.
Emile M. Bergeron
Electronics Technician/Engineer
A.S. Electronic Engineering, Rhode Island School of Electronics
Emile is a electronic and mechanical design engineer. His background
is in underwater video. Currently he is supporting the SFMG field programs,
conducting design and fabrication for SEABOSS components and researching
equipment for installation aboard a planned remotely controlled surface
vehicle.
William Danforth (bdanforth@usgs.gov)
Operational Geologist
BS Geology, University of Rhode Island
MS Geology, University of Rhode Island
Bill leads the development, implementation, and maintenance of digital techniques for the collection, processing, analysis, and display of geophysical data. Bill works closely with numerous university and government organizations to maintain the highest quality data acquisition and analysis techniques. Bill is heavily involved in field operations and data quality control.
Jane Denny (jdenny@usgs.gov)
Marine Geologist
BA Geology, Colgate University
MS Geology, Duke University
Jane is involved in the processing, interpretation, and publication of geophysical data related to nearshore geologic framework studies. Currently, she manages field-season personnel and equipment usage, and conducts administrative duties for the Sea-floor Mapping group.
David Foster (dfoster@usgs.gov)
Operations Geologist
BS Geology, University of Rhode Island
MS Geological Oceanography, University of Alaska, Fairbanks
Dave processes, interprets, and archives geophysical data with an emphasis on digital high-resolution seismic reflection data. He configures, mobilizes, streamlines, and supports associated computer hardware and software systems. He maintains the quality of digital data acquisitions during field operations, optimizing system integration. He develops processing, analytical, and visualization techniques for seismic stratigraphic information. Additionally, he solves logistical problems and performs extensive trouble-shooting.
Barry Irwin (birwin@usgs.gov)
Chief Navigator
BS Oceanography/Marine Ecology, Cornell University
Barry is the navigation expert within the Sea-floor Mapping group. He researches and interprets state-of-the-art navigation techniques into Sea-floor Mapping field operations. Barry also maintains and installs all hardware and software relating to navigation.
Ann McKinney (amckinney@usgs.gov)
Marine Geologist
BS Geophysics, Stanford University
MS Geophysics, Stanford University
MS Marine Geology, Oregon State University
Ann collects, processes, archives, interprets,and presents geological and geophysical data for high-resolution mapping and sedimentary processes investigations.
Dave Nichols (drnkhols@usgs.gov)
Physical Scientist
AAS Applied Science, Cape Fear Community College, Wilmington, N.C.
Dave provides technical operational support for Sea-floor Mapping cruise operations utilizing low- and high-frequency seismic energy sources and their respective data acquisition systems, sidescan-sonar imaging system, underwater video, and integrated conventional acoustic navigation systems. He also participates in cruise mobilization, establishing ship specifications, and operating and maintaining equipment. He determines and implements system specifications and addresses the logistic of field operations. Currently, Dave is the facilities manager for the WHSC.
Tom O'Brien (tobrien@usgs.gov)
Marine Geophysical systems Expert
Tom develops, maintains, and operates all equipment utilized to remotely map the sea floor. He has been involved with hardware and software design of marine acoustic data collection and control systems in the academic, federal, and oil industry since 1970. His current interests include development of a platform-independent acoustic data acquisition system.
Chris Polloni (cpolloni@usgs.gov)
Computer Specialist
Chris coordinates GIS applications and other methods
for data visualization and publication.
Professional page.
William Schwab (bschwab@usgs.gov)
Geophysicist
BA Geology, State University of New York, Oswego
MS Geology/Geophysics, University of Rhode Island
PhD Marine Geology, Duke University
Bill's research in sedimentology and geophysics is focused on the dynamics of shelf-sediment transport, the formative processes controlling the evolution of submarine sediment deposits, and the relation of shelf sediment transport to coastal change. He has lead the cooperative research efforts off the Carolinas and Long Island. Currently, Bill is the Center Chief for the USGS Woods Hole Science Center.
Charles Worley (cworley@usgs.gov)
Marine Geologist
BS Oceanography, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA
Chuck provides technical support on research cruises, including preparation, mobilization, and operation of navigation systems, sidescan-sonar systems, seismic-reflection systems, fathometers, digital data acquisition systems, and video imagery systems. He processes and mosaickes sidescan-sonar data. He also provides diving support for research activities at the USGS.
