Robert Pavia Email & Phone Number

Seattle, Wa

Major teaching and research interests include:The role of disaster science, scientists, and the public in mitigating the human and ecological impacts of human-caused and natural disasters.Examining oil spills to understand marine science, management, and public policy.Ecosystem-based management and marine protected areas.Practical application of ocean observing to marine conservation and management.Dr. Pavia's current research focuses on risk communication tools for oil spills, with a particular emphasis on social media. His most recent project is examining emerging risks from marine transportation. Other interests include the risks to marine systems of spills involving unconventional oils. Dr. Pavia has led projects including responding to human-caused and natural disasters, ecosystem-based management, and marine protected area management. Additional disaster response work includes the 2009 American Samoa tsunami, the T/V Exxon Valdez spill, and preparedness and response efforts in the Middle East, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, and Pacific island areas.

Project areas include responding to human-caused and natural disasters, ecosystem-based management, and marine protected area management. Served as the Deputy Chair of the interagency Joint Analysis Group for Federal response to the Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Participated in a multiyear effort to analyze the fate and transport of subsurface dispersed oil using data collected by NOAA, BP, and university researchers. Collaborating with NOAA to develop advanced Environmental Sensitivity Index mapping strategies for coastal areas of the U.S.

Dr. Pavia's NOAA career provided over 30 years of experience spanning emergency response and environmental management. Dr. Pavia’s work experience includes responding to human-caused and natural disasters, ecosystem-based management, marine protected area management, and research vessel evaluation. He has designed major oil spill simulations and is fully versed in the Incident Command System application to marine incidents ranging from oil spills to tsunamis. His ICS expertise is especially strong in Unified Command and Environmental Unit functions. Dr. Pavia is an excellent communicator whose qualifications include, technical report writing, public speaking, and outreach development.

Seattle, Washington

CHIEF, HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RESPONSE DIVISION 1991 To 2005Served in positions of progressive responsibility in NOAA's Office of Response and Restoration in Seattle, Washington culminating as Chief, Hazardous Materials Response Division. As Division Chief oversaw a staff of 45 people and a budget of 9M dollars. Responsible for directing NOAA's program for providing scientific support during oil and hazardous chemical spills in coastal waters of the United States. Directed internal and external research and development efforts and coordinated collaboration with state and industry. Developed and conducted training for communities and professionals.HAZARDOUS WASTE SITE PROGRAM MANAGER - 1985 To 1990Directed NOAA’s Hazardous Waste Site (Superfund) Program, establishing program goals, formulating program missions, allocating staff and dollar resources among competing requirements, and establishing technical direction for specific activities. Responsibilities include technical direction of contractors, establishing objectives for supervised employees, evaluating performance, and developing job performance standards.SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT COORDINATOR - 1980 To 1985Served as NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator for the West Coast of the U.S., including Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, and other Pacific islands. Coordinated scientific activity at the scene of major spill incidents including the T/V Alvenis, T/V Mobil Oil, M/V Blue Magpie, and T/V Arco Anchorage.

Ph.D., Concentration - Natural Resources, Environmental Management

Master Of Science, Oceanography

Marine Resource Management concentration

Bachelor Of Science, Natural Resources, Marine Biology