NARRAGANSETT, R.I. – September 4, 2013 – S. Bradley Moran, a professor of oceanography at the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography, has been appointed to serve as the assistant director for ocean sciences in The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Executive Office of the President.

In this new capacity, Moran will focus on implementing federal ocean science policy and facilitating interagency efforts relating to ocean science and resources. He will also serve as co-chair of the National Science and Technology Council’s Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology.

“I am truly honored to have this opportunity,” said Moran, a resident of Kingston. “I look forward to working with OSTP Director John Holdren and his team on the many pressing matters related to ocean resources, policy, the economy and national security.”

Moran has been on leave from his URI position since January 2012 to serve as a program director at the National Science Foundation, where he was responsible for administering approximately $25 million in research grants as part of the Chemical Oceanography Program in the NSF Division of Ocean Sciences.

“Brad’s broad experience in oceanographic research, university and federal administration, and outreach to both state and federal agencies makes him an outstanding addition to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy,” said Bruce Corliss, dean of the URI Graduate School of Oceanography. “He will be a strong advocate for the oceanographic community in his new role, and we’re very pleased that he has been selected for this important position.”

At URI, Moran envisioned and implemented the nation’s first Masters of Business Administration-Masters of Oceanography dual degree, dubbed the Blue MBA. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and book sections, participated in 67 research cruises, and successfully competed for approximately $40 million in grant funding from the National Science Foundation, Office of Naval Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and other federal and state agencies.

Moran was co-chair of the Energy and Environment Collaborative for the Ocean State Consortium of Advanced Resources and co-chair of the Energy Efficiency Working Group of the Green Economy Network for the State Economic Development Council. He also conceived and led the Green the Knowledge District project in the City of Providence.

He received a bachelor of science in chemistry from Concordia University, a doctorate in oceanography from Dalhousie University, and conducted his postdoctoral research at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.