Tom Shyka is the Product and Engagement Manager at the Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS). Tom works with NEARACOOS end users and stakeholders to help educate and communicate about the information and the value NEARACOOS provides. In this role, Tom works with NEARCOOS end users to understand their information needs and help develop products and services to meet those needs. Tom’s work with stakeholders has led to the expansion of the observing system including the development of a Cape Cod  PORTS (Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System) that supports safe and efficient navigation. Additionally, Tom has led the communications program at NERACOOS, helping it evolve to integrate new media channels and broaden the outreach.  In his previous roles, Tom led the Gulf of Maine Research Institute’s Ocean Data Products team, which developed NERACOOS’ first web site and data management system. Tom also served as the COO at GoMOOS (Gulf of Maine Ocean Observing System) where he oversaw many aspects of the non-profit including product development, communications, and grants management. Tom was the recipient of a Sea Grant Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship and has also worked as an environmental consultant, a marine ecologist for NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary Program and as an environmental chemist.  He received a MS in Marine Estuarine and Environmental Science from the University of Maryland.