Gretchen Spencer
Gretchen is a Management Analyst at NOAA Ocean Exploration. Her primary roles are supporting the Beyond the Blue Campaign [a multifaceted science campaign designed to raise collective knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of ocean waters in the Pacific Islands region through coordinated mapping and exploration expeditions, data management and sharing, strategic partnerships, and outreach and engagement] and assisting office leadership in various office initiatives. Gretchen was a 2023 Sea Grant Knauss Marine Policy Fellow in the NOAA OAR Front Office, which is when she was first introduced to the Women’s Aquatic Network.
Gretchen earned a M.S. in marine science from NOVA Southeastern University (Florida), where her thesis focused on the biogeochemical cycles occurring in mangrove ecosystems. While pursuing her masters, she worked as the education and outreach specialist for the Marine Environmental Education Center (MEEC), where she educated the public about marine conservation and cared for the two resident sea turtles who lived on site. Gretchen received her B.S. in marine biology at the University of Maine.
Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, spending time at her family's “camp” in Maine, watching and participating in theater and singing, reading, water sports, and baking.
