Katie Watkins-Brandt

Katie Watkins-Brandt is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in oceanographic research and data management. Currently serving as the Data Acquisition Manager at NOAA since October 2022, Katie previously founded and led Planktos Consulting, LLC., which specializes in plankton sample analysis and data quality assurance. Prior roles include Sensor Systems Engineer at Oregon State University, where responsibilities involved developing standard operating procedures for regional class research vessels, and positions ranging from Graduate Research Assistant to Faculty Research Assistant, focusing on field and laboratory research. Katie holds a Master's degree in Biological Oceanography from Oregon State University and a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science from Antioch College.