Learning from the Experts, a webinar series
NYSERDA’s Offshore Wind team is hosting an educational webinar series to connect the public with independent experts in key topics in offshore wind, including wind farm technologies, development practices, regulatory processes, and research initiatives.
To register for upcoming webinars, please visit our Announcements and Events webpage.
Regional Collaboration on Wildlife & Fisheries Research
September 15, 2021
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EST
About the Speakers:
Emily Shumchenia, Ph.D., Director, Regional Wildlife Science Entity & Manager, Northeast Ocean Data Portal
Emily Shumchenia is the Director of the Regional Wildlife Science Entity (RWSE). RWSE is a research collaborative hosted by the Northeast Regional Ocean Council (NROC), Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO), and Coastal States Stewardship Foundation that includes federal agencies, states, offshore wind developers and lease holders, and non-governmental organizations with the common priorities of sharing information, standardizing data collection and monitoring protocols, defining key scientific research needs, and amplifying the results of existing and ongoing research related to offshore wind and wildlife. Emily has worked with NROC since 2014 as an ocean data scientist responsible for engagement around data development and use in decision-making with agencies, industry, the research community, and other stakeholders. Emily holds a Ph.D. in oceanography from the University of Rhode Island.
Lyndie Hice-Dutton, Ph.D., Executive Director, Responsible Offshore Science Alliance (ROSA)
Lyndie Hice-Dunton is the Executive Director of the Responsible Offshore Science Alliance (ROSA). ROSA is a partnership formed by fishermen and offshore wind leaders, in collaboration with US federal and state management experts to enhance scientific understanding necessary to support the coexistence of wind energy development and sustainable fisheries. Dr. Hice-Dunton is a fisheries scientist with a multidisciplinary background in marine science, environmental policy, and offshore development. Lyndie’s offshore wind efforts have allowed her to work closely with state and federal regulatory agencies, fishing industry representatives, and offshore wind developers to identify best science-based approaches that improve our understanding of the effects of wind energy development on fisheries and ecosystems.
Environmental Considerations for Fixed Offshore Wind Foundation Technologies
September 1, 2021
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EST
About the Speaker: Drew Carey, Co-founder and CEO, INSPIRE Environmental
Drew is a recognized expert in the assessment of environmental impacts on marine ecosystems and has led offshore wind studies since 2009. He received his PhD from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland and specializes in benthic ecology, sedimentology, fisheries monitoring, and marine policy. He has extensive experience in benthic site characterization, preparation of Construction and Operation Plans and monitoring for offshore wind energy projects. He is currently leading marine assessments (EFH, fisheries, benthic, lobster, geological) for the Block Island, South Fork, Sunrise, Skipjack, Ocean Wind and Revolution Wind Farms for Orsted USA Offshore Wind Energy. Drew has been engaged in development of marine technology and innovative applications of data visualization throughout his career.
Offshore Wind COP Review Process
August 11, 2021
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EST
About the Speakers:
Michelle Morin, Chief of Environment Branch for Renewable Energy, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)
Michelle has been with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) for 26 years and has coordinated dozens of environmental impact statements and assessments for BOEM's oil and gas and renewable energy programs in Headquarters and the Gulf of Mexico Region. As the Chief of BOEM's Environment Branch for Renewable Energy, she manages an interdisciplinary team responsible for environmental assessments, consultations, and studies related to renewable energy leasing and development on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf.
Jessica Stromberg, Project Coordinator, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)
Jessica has been working in the Office of Renewable Energy Programs (OREP) at the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) since 2009. She has extensive experience managing the leasing and development process for projects proposed offshore the New England coast. Starting in August 2021, Jessica will be participating in a 4-month detail as the Acting Chief of the Engineering and Technical Review Branch in OREP, where she will manage an interdisciplinary team responsible for reviewing submitted plans and reports to ensure construction and operational design parameters for any proposed facilities adhere to accepted engineering practices and industry standards, performing analyses for vessel navigation, metocean, geophysical and geological information needs, and providing input on areas for technology assessment and research.
Offshore Wind Stakeholder Engagement
July 28, 2021
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EST
Full Recording 
Presentation Slides [PDF]
About the Speaker: Kris Ohleth, Director, Special Initiative on Offshore Wind
Kris Ohleth has worked in the offshore wind industry for over 15 years, since the days of the industry’s inception in the U.S. Holding senior positions with offshore wind developers, non-governmental organizations, and state agencies, she has gained critical insights into the policy and regulations that shape offshore wind activities at the state, regional, and federal levels. Kris has extensive experience working with offshore wind stakeholders and has expert knowledge of such engagements, having worked on offshore wind and ocean policy issues for nearly two decades.
In her current role as the Director of the Special Initiative on Offshore Wind, she leads the organization to develop strategies to support the responsible and sustainable development of the offshore wind industry. Originally from New Jersey, she is a Rutgers graduate, has a Master’s degree from the University of Rhode Island, and currently lives in Morris County, New Jersey with her husband and retired-racing greyhounds.
Offshore Wind Resiliency Planning
July 7, 2021
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EST
Full Recording
Presentation Slides [PDF]
About the Speakers:
Neil Weisenfeld, Senior Energy Resilience Expert, ICF
Neil focuses on corporate strategy and long-range planning, energy resilience, grid modernization, asset management, and regulatory and policy engagements. With over 35 years in the industry, Neil previously worked as Director of Strategic Planning for Con Edison of New York. In his current role, Neil assesses vulnerabilities and manages risks to energy infrastructure presented by a fast-changing climate and extreme weather conditions, both in the U.S. and abroad. He translates climate science into practical information for decision-makers, conducts risk assessments for assets and operations, analyzes costs and benefits of resilience actions, and supports long-term planning for climate adaptation and resilience.
Garrett Moran, Wind Generation Senior Manager, ICF
Garrett Moran is a licensed professional engineer who specializes in wind turbine technology, turbine design, and loads and controls. Garrett has 17+ years industry experience with a career in loads and dynamics and structural dynamics spanning the wind, aerospace, and oil and gas industries. He has worked for multiple international wind turbine OEMs, on the Space Shuttle contract for Boeing for NASA, and with deep sea offshore oil & gas risers. Garrett has provided technical due diligence and financing support for nearly 5GW of globally-installed wind capacity.
The Science of Visibility
June 23, 2021
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EST
Full Recording
Presentation Slides [PDF]
About the Speakers:
Gordon Perkins, Visualization Practice Leader, Environmental Design & Research
Gordon is a Division Manager, Visualization, with 20 years of professional experience. Gordon is one of the leading expert consultants in visualization and visual impact assessment in the Northeast and has managed and/or served as lead technical specialist on visual impact assessments for multiple offshore wind projects reviewed by BOEM as well as for onshore wind, solar, and transmission facilities reviewed under applicable federal and state permitting laws and regulations.
Kiva VanDerGeest, Visualization Project Manager, Environmental Design & Research
Kiva is a Visualization Project Manager with over six years of professional experience in planning, design, geographic information systems, and visual impact assessments. Kiva has assisted in the development of visual impact assessments for energy projects including onshore and offshore wind, solar, highway, and transmission facilities.
Digital Aerial Surveys to Inform Offshore Wind Development
June 9, 2021
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EST
Full Recording
Presentation Slides [PDF]
About the Speaker: Julia Robinson Willmott, Senior Principal Scientist and Group Manager, Normandeau Associates, Inc.
Julia has over 30 years of experience in 23 different countries assessing both offshore and onshore ecological impacts of anthropogenic and natural stressors on birds and other taxa. As Group Manager at Normandeau Associates, she works directly with Normandeau’s technology team to design, test, and deploy innovative technology systems for remote monitoring of wildlife. Julia has been project manager and technical director on over 100 aerial digital projects including state and federal efforts in support of offshore wind energy in New York State waters and offshore North Carolina and South Carolina. Her knowledge and understanding of species presence, abundance, and relative sensitivity to anthropogenic stressors based on experience across two continents helps inform study design and effectively target resources. She is principal author of “The relative vulnerability of migratory bird species to offshore wind energy projects on the Atlantic outer continental shelf”, and she has described a new subspecies of Zoothera thrush.
Offshore Wind Submarine Cabling
May 26, 2021
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EST
Full Recording
Presentation Slides [PDF]
About the Speaker: Duncan Sokolowski, Senior Submarine Cable Project Manager, Tetra Tech
Duncan is an experienced and multitalented submarine cable expert, having started his cable career over 20 years ago as an ROV Supervisor and cable jointer within the communications cable industry. Over the most recent decade, Duncan has broadened his areas of expertise to include submarine power cables for the Offshore Wind and Power Transmission Industries. Having worked for submarine power cable installers, manufacturers, engineering consultants, as well as elsewhere within the supply chain, Duncan has clear vision throughout many cable market sectors, and he broadens Tetra Tech’s already strong capabilities.
Offshore Wind Transmission Systems
May 12, 2021
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EST
Full Recording
Presentation Slides [PDF]
About the Speaker: Johannes (Hannes) Pfeifenberger, Principle, The Brattle Group
Hannes is an economist with a background in electrical engineering and over twenty-five years of experience in wholesale power market design, renewable energy, electricity storage, and transmission. He also is a Senior Fellow at Boston University’s Institute of Sustainable Energy (BU-ISE), a Visiting Scholar at MIT’s Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research (CEEPR), and serves as an advisor to research initiatives by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s (LBNL’s) Energy Analysis and Environmental Impacts Division and the US Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Grid Modernization Lab Consortium.
Hannes received an M.A. in Economics and Finance from Brandeis University’s International Business School and an M.S. and B.S. (“Diplom Ingenieur”) in Power Engineering and Energy Economics from the University of Technology in Vienna, Austria.
Article VII Permitting Process for Offshore Wind
April 28, 2021
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EST
Full Recording
Presentation Slides [PDF]
About the Speaker: Bill Flynn, Partner, Harris Beach PLLC
Bill advises businesses and organizations on energy related matters, strategic planning initiatives regarding economic development, state and federal regulatory affairs, and policy decisions. He also advises clients on local, state and federal governmental affairs. Bill is known for his experience in regulatory policies and legislation related to electricity, gas, water, cable television, and telecommunications services. He served as Chairman of the New York State Public Service Commission (NYS PSC) from February 2003 to December 2006. Prior to serving as Chairman of the NYS PSC, he was President of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) where he also served as vice president, treasurer, and secretary to the board of NYSERDA from 1999 to 2003. As NYS PSC Chairman, Bill also served on NYSERDA’s Board of Directors and as Chair of the New York State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment. He is a former board member of the New York State Environmental Board, the New York State Disaster Preparedness Commission, and former co-chairman of the New York Telecommunications Reliability Advisory Council. He was appointed by the chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as vice-chairman of the federal Joint Board on Economic Dispatch for the Northeast Region. He also served as a member of the National Association of Regulatory Commissioners Electricity Committee and chaired the Telecommunications Legislative Task Force.
Offshore Wind Technology 101
April 7, 2021
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EST
Full Recording
Presentation Slides [PDF]
About the Speaker: Walt Musial, Principal Engineer and Offshore Wind Lead, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Walt Musial is a Principal Engineer and leads the offshore wind research platform at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) where he has worked for 32 years. In 2003, he initiated the offshore wind energy research program at NREL which focuses on a wide range of industry needs and critical technology challenges. He chairs the AWEA Offshore Wind Standards Subcommittee and is the Senior Technical Advisor to the National Offshore Wind R&D Consortium. Previously, Walt also developed and ran NREL’s full scale blade and drivetrain testing facilities for 15 years. Earlier, Walt worked as a test engineer for five years in the commercial wind energy industry in California. He studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Massachusetts - Amherst, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, specializing in energy conversion with a focus on wind energy engineering. He has over 120 publications and two patents.
Siting and Leasing Offshore Wind Energy Areas
March 24, 2021
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EST
Full Recording
Presentation Slides [PDF]
About the Speaker: Luke Feinberg, Energy Program Specialist, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)
Luke currently works as a Project Coordinator at the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in the Office of Renewable Energy Programs. His duties include coordination for all renewable activities offshore New York including leasing in the New York Bight, and support for coordination efforts offshore Massachusetts and the Gulf of Maine. Prior to his work at BOEM, Luke worked in the Wind Energy Technologies Office at the Department of Energy and played a key role as a primary author of the interagency 2016 National Offshore Wind Strategy for the Department of Energy and Department of Interior. Before joining the federal service, Luke worked as an environmental consultant in the Boston area directing environmental oversight and remediation of large- scale energy projects.
Luke received a Master’s of Environmental Science and Management from the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management at the University of California Santa Barbara and an undergraduate degree from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. In his free time, he loves to explore the greater Washington DC area with his wife and two sons, cycling, cooking, woodworking, and fishing.
NYSERDA Program Updates
NYSERDA periodically hosts webinars to provide updates on the offshore wind program, NYSERDA-supported offshore wind research, and the National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium.
To view past webinar recordings and presentations, please visit our Resource Library.
Educational Videos
The below video links are to external resources (not created by or affiliated with NYSERDA) that provide great overviews of basic offshore wind technologies.