The NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps (NOAA Corps) is one of the nation’s eight uniformed services and NOAA Corps officers are an integral part of NOAA. With approximately 360 officers and growing, the NOAA Corps supports nearly all of NOAA’s programs and missions. The combination of commissioned service and scientific expertise makes these officers uniquely capable of leading some of NOAA’s most important initiatives. Meet NOAA Corps officer Ensign Kyanna Cadwallader.
Where did you grow up?
Just outside of Gainesville, Florida. It was a pretty rural area in Putnam County that taught me to love the outdoors.
Where did you go to school and in what subject did you get your degree(s)?
I went to Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland, and got a degree in environmental and political science. I minored in creative writing.
What inspired you to become a NOAA Corps officer?
I loved working at sea, and science is a great passion of mine. I’ve always wanted an active job that allowed me to travel and the NOAA Corps was the perfect blend of all those passions!
What do you do as a NOAA Corps officer?
I am a junior officer aboard NOAA Ship Nancy Foster. As a qualified Officer of the Deck, I stand my own bridge watch and keep the ship safe during operations—whether that is deploying small boats and CTDs, or mapping the ocean floor. I serve as a mentor to other junior officers and love getting out to drive the small boats. I am also the Environmental Compliance Officer for the ship as well as the social media officer. That means I get to manage our spill team and energy efficiency plans, as well as document the fun and important operations of the ship to share with our followers on our Facebook page!
What was one of your favorite missions or experiences?
My favorite missions are small boat missions! Diving from and sending out AUV’s from small boats is so fun, both from a bridge perspective overseeing when small boats are deployed or recovered, and as a coxswain driving the small boats. It’s very active and I think you gain a lot of operational experience from these missions, as well as getting to learn all about the science behind the operation.
My favorite mission so far was a dive project we did off the Dry Tortuga’s in the Straits of Florida. We deployed divers to monitor coral and assess biodiversity on Florida’s reefs in NOAA’s Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. As a kid I loved going down to the Keys, so getting to return for work and as a NOAA Corps officer was pretty special.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a NOAA Corps Officer?
Don’t give up and keep learning! We love folks who approach life with a learning mindset and a broad range of experiences. NOAA Corps officers 'wear a lot of different hats’ and are constantly learning as we progress through our careers. The push to continuously improve both personally and professionally is one thing that drew me to the NOAA Corps, and I hope it will draw you here too.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love being outdoors. Hiking with my dog, paddle boarding and beach lounging with a good book are some of my favorite activities.