Kate talks about how pursuing her master's degree at the School for Marine Science & Technology prepared her for her new role as an oceanographic technical specialist with Lynker Technologies.
/filters:quality(90)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/news/2021/Kate-Tremblay-1-850X480.jpg?text=945+WebP)
Kate Tremblay, a recent UMass Dartmouth graduate, has accepted a contractual position with Lynker Technologies, an affiliate of NOAA's National Ocean Service in the Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS). The Center provides the nation with real-time data, forecasts, water level predictions, and scientific analysis.
In her new role, Kate is working on two technical report publications that focus on tidal datums of previous beach and marsh restorations and a third publication regarding sea-level rise and the tools we measure it with. “I am also part of a few project-scoping teams where we decide how we shall collaborate with different groups for future tide gauge installations and their data dissemination,” she says. “On any given day, I may be creating water-level based training, editing a film, coding, leading a document to publication, or processing a water level site that's remotely located in the United States.”
A major benefit of her work environment is the team spirit. “I work with a great team, where inclusivity and a positive atmosphere is a high priority,” she says. “Currently, we are starting a new branch for stakeholder services where we can really target the needs of CO-OPS users.” Kate also recently joined a collaboration between CO-OPS and the Office of Coastal Management. Part of her role also involves collaborating with many subject matter experts.
“My position is introducing me to a great number of talented individuals ranging from physical oceanographers to social scientists. You really start to understand the efforts that go into our country’s coastlines and the response we have to the need for accurate water levels,” she says. “Our data is used every day, whether inside major ports with big ships and shallow canals or along U.S. coastal waters with fishermen and recreational boaters. This is an essential service for the operation of the Department of Commerce.”
Kate studied at UMass Dartmouth’s School for Marine Science & Technology (SMAST) and earned her master’s degree in marine science in 2020. “My MS degree has provided me with the knowledge for assessing water levels in terms of tidal dynamics, including the varying harmonics across multiple tide gauge locations. Some of the hardest work I had done at SMAST is the work I now enjoy doing now because of the effort I put in to learn it.” Kate also says her experience as a technician allowed her to easily integrate with the CO-OPS field crew as a producer of training videos. “My graduate degree also provided a pathway for me to enter a workplace that was different from my bachelor's where I graduated with a BA in theater. Hard work and a drive to go for my dreams have really paid off for me.”