Plenary Speakers

Opening Plenary

Tuesday, April 25 | 8:30 am – 10:00 am

Adaptive Monitoring for Adaptive Management

Peter Tango
Chesapeake Bay Monitoring Coordinator
US Geological Survey
Annapolis, Maryland

Peter was hooked on science ever since a 5th grade teacher inspired him to start a birding life list. That was 1976. A passion for science and maintaining the birding life list continues! Peter’s degree work in forest biology (BS), wildlife science (MS) and fisheries management (PhD) has supported his position as the Chesapeake Bay Monitoring Coordinator for the US Geological Survey at the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Chesapeake Bay Program Office since 2007. Serving the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership, Peter’s position involves serving in the roles of Chair of the Criteria Assessment Protocol Work Group, Coordinator of the Nontidal Network Workgroup, and Co-coordinator for the Bay Oxygen Research Group and the Hypoxia Collaborative. Running, fishing, hunting, hiking, gardening, writing, biking and more all help round out the hours in a day keeping life full of good health, fitness, and plenty of outdoor adventures.

Plenary / Awards Luncheon

Thursday, April 27 | 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Under the Surface—How to Propel DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice) Efforts

Briana Yancy
2023 NOAA Sea grant Knauss Fellow
NOAA Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML)
Miami, Florida

Briana Yancy holds a master’s degree in biology from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Her background includes research at the intersection of conservation and social sciences with a focus on coastal ecosystems including time spent working for US EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program and with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. As a 2023 NOAA Sea grant Knauss Fellow, she works with NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) as part of their research and development transition support team.