David Savage

David Savage completed his last course with the Master of Science program in Environmental Sciences in Summer 2001. He left the program for a period of time following a transfer within his agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to manage a Florida Keys marine sanctuary. The online offerings of the Environmental Sciences program allowed him to complete his degree while in this role, and while flying remote sensing missions for NOAA.

Dave entered the program while a chief pilot, stationed at the Silver Spring NOAA headquarters. "I decided to get into this program to get a broader understanding of what my agency does. Remote Sensing, GIS, Oceanic and Atmospheric Processes; even Earth Resources and the hazardous materials sciences classes are exactly what NOAA focuses on. I've been transferring between different areas of NOAA and my academic work gives me the understanding to transfer between departments"

Most of his courses were taken while he was serving in the marine sanctuary. "The policy courses helped me immensely. The marine and ocean policy work in that job was the largest piece. It helped me to obtain the management position, and helped me carry out my duties."

Dave has now moved to Minnesota to fly mountain remote sensing assignments, as chief pilot for the National Operational Hydrological Remote Sensing Center. "This work falls under the National Weather Service. We measure snow depth with aircraft: we collect and analyze the data, and send the data to modelers for forecasting of river levels and other water resources. The hydrology courses I took were helpful. This is probably my last assignment with NOAA, and I'll be retiring into the private sector with all of the experience behind me.

My fellow students were a really enjoyable group of people from diverse backgrounds. It was interesting to meet people serving in the private sector. Most people have a really good attitude; especially in the online courses. In a classroom setting, I'm one of the outspoken ones; taking online courses with people I have taken onsite courses with is an experience. I have an opportunity now to get to know people who never spoke up in class before.

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