Brad Benggio, Scientific Support Coordinator

Tell us about yourself and your work at NOS.

My name is Brad Benggio, and I am a scientific support coordinator with NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration. I have always been interested in the broad range of topics across marine science. From marine biology and marine geology to marine physics, I wanted to understand how the components of each focus area relate to one another. Investigating these relationships and understanding the bigger picture has been extremely beneficial throughout my career, especially in my current role focused on hazard and disaster response.

As an undergraduate student at the University of South Carolina, I worked as a laboratory assistant in a geochemistry lab. Through this experience, I participated in real scientific studies, which further fostered my interest in research and environmental science. After college, I entered the NOAA Corps as a commissioned officer, which gave me the opportunity to serve on a variety of oceanographic studies, both aboard ships and in laboratories. I also trained as a pilot and flew a variety of fixed-wing aircraft in support of NOAA’s scientific and mapping missions. I later joined NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration, Emergency Response Division, as a scientific support coordinator, working with key agencies and their representatives on emergency response efforts.

In my role, I work closely with federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as industry and academic institutions, to prepare for and respond to emergencies affecting our coastal and marine environments throughout the Southeast. These emergencies can range from oil and chemical spills to hurricanes and natural disasters. While these efforts primarily focus on restoring affected areas, it’s also important to consider health and safety, commerce, and various protected and managed natural, cultural, and historic assets. Overall, my career has been immensely rewarding as I have been able to help not only our environment but also our coastal communities.

What about your work has felt especially exciting or rewarding?

Being a part of the process that leaves a history and legacy of plans and tools that can help new and future responders is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. These tools will serve to educate and guide decision-makers for years to come, providing a strong foundation for continued improvement and growth when disaster strikes.

What NOAA project have you enjoyed working on the most?

While all the projects I’ve worked on have been rewarding, I’ve appreciated the opportunities to share my experience and knowledge to support preparedness and response. Particularly, I’ve really enjoyed traveling to places like Spain, Vietnam, Cuba, Central America, and the Middle East to support and provide guidance to our international partners.