GCOOS Spring Members’ Meeting and 20th Anniversary Celebration

Registration is now open for the GCOOS 2026 Spring Member’s Meeting and Anniversary Celebration, so be sure to sign up today to join the Gulf’s ocean observing community in person!

• When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, April 14, with a student poster session from 5-6 p.m.
• Where: The University Club,  Texas A&M University’s College Station campus, Rudder Tower, 11th floor, 401 Joe Routt Blvd, College Station, TX 77840. Click here for a map.
• Anniversary Celebration Reception: The meeting will be followed by an anniversary celebration from 6-8 p.m. at the Rail Bar Brazos Kitchen at the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center, 177 Joe Routt Blvd, College Station, TX 77840. Click here for a map.
• Click here to register for the meeting now
• Click here for hotel reservations with the block room rate at the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center or call 979.260.2235

Agenda

• All times in Central Time
• Click here for printable agenda

8-8:30 a.m. Sign in and breakfast

8:30-8:45 a.m. Welcome and Agenda Review, Dr. Kim Yates, GCOOS Board Chair

8:45-9:05 a.m. Welcome and Introduction to TAMU – Dr. Shari Yvon-Lewis

9:05-9:30 a.m. IOOS Program Office Updates, Dr. Krisa Arzayus, Acting IOOS

9:30-9:45 a.m. Welcome and remarks from U.S. Representative Randy Weber’s Office by Hayden Crawford, Legislative Director

9:45-10 a.m. Texas Sea Grant College Program update, Laura Picariello, Director

10-10:30 a.m. GCOOS Update, Dr. Jorge Brenner, GCOOS Executive Director

10:30-10:50 a.m. Networking Break

11-Noon Industry Partner Updates:
Brief presentations and discussion: Moderator: Marcus Ogle

• Dr. Sergio Jaramillo, Shell
• Dr. Mike Yang, Chevron

Noon-1:15 p.m. Lunch (provided)

1:15-2 p.m. Industry Partner Updates (continued)
Brief presentations and discussion: Moderator: Rafael Ramos

• Paulo Barros, Fugro
• Keith Kurrus, TetraTech
• Michael Leber, Woods Hole Group 

2-2:45 p.m. Ecosystem/Environmental Balance
Brief presentations and discussion: Moderator: Suraida Nañez-James

• Ryan Hannum, CPC, Inc./NOAA FGBNMS
• Megan Howson, GCOOS
• Dr. Marcus Beck, Tampa Bay Estuary Program (Video)
• Dr. Philippe Tissot, Conrad Blucher Institute (Video)

2:45-3:15 p.m. Networking Break

3:15-4 p.m. UGOS Summary and Next Steps
Brief presentations and discussion: Moderator: Jorge Brenner

• Michael Feldman, Gulf Research Program, National Academies 
• Dr. Steve Dimarco, GERG, Texas A&M University
• Dr. Rafael Ramos, Woods Hole Group
• Dr. Tony Knapp, GERG, Texas A&M University 

4-4:45 p.m. Shaped by Our Story: The History of GCOOS, Dr. Worth Nowlin, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Texas A&M University

4:45-5 p.m. Matt Howard Fellowship Award & Closing Remarks, Dr. Kimberly Yates, GCOOS Board Chair

5-6 p.m. Student Posters

6-8 p.m. GCOOS 20th Anniversary Celebration
Venue: University Hotel and Conference Center, 177 Joe Routt Blvd, College Station, TX 77840. Free parking for guests.

• 6-6:30 Networking and beverages
• 6:30-7 Open mic – informal tributes and memories of GCOOS
• 7-8 p.m. Networking

Dinner: On Your Own