Catalina Martinez

Catalina Martinez is a regional program manager for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Office of Ocean Exploration and Research (OER). She attended the University of Rhode Island for both her undergraduate and graduate studies. She is currently based at the University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Oceanography. Her career focuses on coordinating programs for NOAA as well as promoting diversity and inclusion for underrepresented communities in STEM.

Early life and education Martinez grew up in an urban community in Providence, Rhode Island. Martinez never received a high school diploma as she dropped out of school to support her family and work. Later, she received her GED as well as an associates degree from the New England Institute of Technology. Martinez would then take courses at various community college and then enroll at the University of Rhode Island to obtain a Bachelor's degree in Zoology. Continuing at the University of Rhode Island, she then gained 2 graduate degrees; a Master of Science in Oceanography and a Master of Marine Affairs. Later in her career, Martinez would obtain another Masters degree in Business Management from the University of Rhode Island. Efforts like this helped Martinez win the NOAA Diversity Award for Exemplary Service in 2016.

Community outreach Before earning her degrees, Martinez worked alongside the director of the Urban Collaborative Accelerated Program to start a school in the Providence area for students that are at risk of dropping out. Catalina Martinez has volunteered in various non-profit organizations dedicated to promoting diversity and conservation in Rhode Island including the Narrow River Land Trust, Rhode Island YWCA, and Tomaquag Indian Memorial Museum.

Awards Catalina Martinez with other award winners at the 2019 annual Women of Color in STEM conference. Various organizations have recognized Catalina Martinez's service to her community and advocating for diversity: + Year Title Institution Ref. 2019 Women of Color Stem Award for Diversity Leadership in Government Women of Color STEM 2016 NOAA OAR/Equal Employment Opportunity(EEO)/Diversity Award for Exemplary Service NOAA 2013 Living Legends Award Volunteer State Community College 2011 Bronze Award NOAA 2010 Diversity Award for Staff Excellence in Leadership Service URI Martinez, C., Coleman, D. F., Bell, K. L., Pinner, W., & Russell, C. W. (2012). Systematic Ocean Exploration Enabled by Telepresence Technology. New Frontiers in Ocean Exploration: The E/V Nautilus and NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer 2011 Field Season, 25(1), supplement, 68, 6-7. Russell, C. W., Martinez, C., David, M., Kamphaus, CDR R., & Pica, CDR J. (2012). NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer 2011 Field Season. New Frontiers in Ocean Exploration: The E/V Nautilus and NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer 2011 Field Season, 25(1), supplement, 68, 46-49.