Sam Chan, Oregon Sea Grant
In the span of a few weeks this summer, Sam Chan of Oregon Sea Grant spoke on OSU’s behalf to the general public, United States congressional staff members and colleagues at NOAA’s National Sea Grant office. His expert presentations and their lasting impact are the epitome of why we conduct service activities.
When this year’s Smithsonian Folklife Festival celebrated the 150-year anniversary of the Morrill Act, Sam was one of a few OSU faculty members selected to present at the festival, with a focus on his work with aquatic invasive species. He spent nine days in Washington D.C. and gave eight presentations – each one highlighting not only the importance of the invasive species work occurring in Oregon, but also OSU’s pivotal role in this work.
While in the nation’s capital, he met with congressional delegations to discuss the issue of Japanese Tsunami Marine Debris (JTMD). And partly due to the expert knowledge Sam imparted in those meetings, Rep. Bonamici’s staff amended the proposed Marine Debris Emergency Act of 2012. Sam has also been asked by Washington congressman Jay Inslee to review and provide feedback on the legislation.
Sam’s fortuitous meetings with congressional staff will have important implications into the future, and largely because of his efforts, OSU Extension is the primary source of information related to Japanese tsunami debris and invasive species.