Matt First

Background

About Matt First

A marine microbial ecologist working as a program manager, research scientist, and subject matter expert, a Section Head of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s Marine Biology and Engineering Section. Also serve as a team member or project leader within several international scientific working groups. An effective and committed communicator, with 45 peer-reviewed, scientific journal articles and ~80 government reports,>30 presentations, and other contributions (including uncredited contributions to ISO standards, submissions to the IMO, and position papers). Of note:• Received the Meritorious Public Service Award from the Commandant of the US Coast Guard (2022)• Earned the ISO Excellence Award as the Project Leader of ISO 3725:2023• Chair of the Ballast Water, Sediments and Biofouling Working Group of NATO’s Specialist Team on Energy Efficiency and Environmental Protection• Participated in the IMO’s Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC) and Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR) Subcommittee meets as part of the US or the ISO delegationStrengths:• Program and project leadership• Coalition building• Stakeholder management• Advanced and innovative research• Scientific publishing and peer review• Technical and strategic communications• Standards development (ISO, ICES, etc.)• Research funding and budgeting• Policy analysis