Captain, University-National Oceanographic Laboratory (UNOLS) Academic Research Fleet (ARF)
Meegan Corcoran has worked in the maritime industry for over 20 years and recently began working for the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS), a Federal organization that oversees 17 research ships (soon to be 20) operated by institutions of higher learning. Meegan’s maritime career began in 2002 when she joined the US Navy. She served for 8 years before leaving to pursue her dream of working in the marine sciences. Her dream first came to fruition when she started working at Friday Harbor Labs as the Manager of Marine Operations, overseeing and captaining their research vessel and managing vessel-based science. From there, Meegan was promoted to Port Captain for the University of Washington where she managed the global research vessel Thomas G Thompson as well as the R/V Rachel Carson. Her position allowed her to travel the world and collect more than a few hair-raising experiences. Meegan now works with the crew and operators of all 17 ships in the UNOLS-based Academic Research Fleet (ARF) in order to retain and recruit crew, increase morale, and train operators on personnel management aboard ships.