Brent Johnston

Tell us about your work/research. What kinds of things do you do?

I estimate, plan, mobilize, perform and process data for water-based remote sensing and sampling operations in 0-5000m water depth.

What sparked your initial interest in your career?

A love of working on the water.

Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?

Curt Ebbesmeyer, a previous employer and brilliant man, who has a knack for expressing concepts that may be complex in a manner that can be understood by a 5-year-old.

What element of your work/study do you think is the most fascinating?

The new technology that is constantly becoming available is always interesting to understand and implement on projects.

What other jobs led you to your current career?

My youth spent commercial fishing in Alaska provided the enjoyment for water-based work and an early career doing aerial photography and mapping provided the remote sensing exposure. Combine the two and you have water-based remote sensing.

What are your degrees and certifications?

North Kitsap High School Diploma 1990 (barely)

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy riding and repairing motorcycles as much as possible everywhere I can.

How did you get involved with the TBNMS project with OET?

I assisted NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory on a mapping effort in 2018 and they requested that I be a part of this effort as well.

What advice would you give someone who wants to have a career like yours?

Learn to operate well on very little sleep.