Katie Wrubel, Resource Protection Specialist

Tell us about yourself and your work at NOS.

My name is Katie Wrubel and I coordinate the protection of natural, cultural, and historic resources at Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. In my role, I help protect the significant qualities of the sanctuary and share it with current and future generations. One of the programs I am most proud of is an “Area to be Avoided” designated by an international maritime organization that we manage with the U.S. Coast Guard. This program keeps large vessels and those transporting oil and hazardous materials further offshore to reduce risks of vessel incidents or oil spills on the remote Washington coastline.

Tell us about your journey to where you are in your career.

Since middle school, I knew I wanted to be a marine biologist and steered my education and work experiences toward that goal. I studied marine ecology at California State University, Monterey Bay and through my coursework realized I wanted to work in applied marine science conducting research to inform sound management decisions. I went on to be the first person in my family to attend graduate school, and was selected as a Dr. Nancy Foster Scholar while completing my master’s degree in environmental science at Washington State University.

While in school, I gained experience researching and analyzing seafloor communities within Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. After school, I gained real-world experience working in marine policy at the Nature Conservancy and then with the Makah Tribe, specifically supporting Tribal communities in implementing a variety of ocean policies and programs. My work experiences gave me the knowledge and skills that continue to serve me in my current position.

What project has been most impactful on your career to date?

In 2023, I participated in an ocean exploration expedition to better understand the maritime heritage of Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, and to search for Svyatoy Nikolai — a vessel that sank along the Olympic Coast in 1808. NOAA, the Hoh Tribe, and partners used state-of-the-art technology to investigate and characterize the nearshore waters off La Push, Washington. This experience was particularly rewarding because I gained new knowledge of maritime heritage surveys, built new relationships, and supported community interest to collect data that will benefit the sanctuary. While the team did not locate the shipwreck, the expedition laid the groundwork for future exploration in the area.

What advice do you have for those who would like a similar career?

Try to find ways to gain experience through research or other opportunities, engage in NOAA internship and fellowship opportunities, and build your network!