ENS DiBari will be representing the U.S. and the Coast Guard Academy as a cultural ambassador while pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Environment and Natural Resources with a concentration in Natural Resource Management at the University of Iceland in Reykjavik, Iceland during 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 academic years. As a Fulbright scholar, ENS DiBari plans to study Arctic fisheries management strategies and policies. His research thesis will focus on examining current management strategies that apply to mackerel stock in the North-East Atlantic (NEA). The goal is to propose a fisheries management plan for the NEA coastal states in order to promote sustainable fisheries management practices through international cooperation between Iceland and the NEA coastal states. As a student at the University of Iceland, ENS DiBari hopes to be involved in the student council; the University Student Theater; and join the community rugby team, the Reykjavik Raiders.

ENS DiBari is currently assigned to the USCGC Healy (WAGB 20) as a Deck Watch Officer. Since joining Healy, ENS DiBari has earned qualification as an in port and underway Officer of the Deck, and is currently working towards his Boarding Officer qualification. In addition to standing watch, ENS DiBari is the Communications Officer and Assistant Public Affairs Officer and has acted as a project officer for a variety of different assignments. In October 2016, ENS DiBari returned from a four month deployment where he worked in collaboration with the rest of Healy‘s crew and science party to conduct science missions in marine biology, physical oceanography, and deep sea mapping. This summer, ENS DiBari will join Healy on another Arctic exploration mission prior to beginning his studies in Iceland in August 2017.

As a leader in the USCG, ENS DiBari is concerned that current Arctic policy is not adequately addressing climate change and the consequences from increased human activity. Throughout his USCG career, he plans to be involved in formulating and enforcing policy in the Arctic, and after his Fulbright in Iceland, he plans to use his educational and operational experience to contribute to sustainable fisheries development in the USA and worldwide. His goal is to finally pursue a Doctor of Philosophy in Marine Affairs and join the CG’s International Training Division to work with foreign navies on fisheries management and law enforcement. After completing his CG service, he plans to work for the State Department’s Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs. In particular, ENS DiBari hopes to join the Office of Marine Conservation and become involved with formulating and implementing U.S. policy on a broad range of international issues concerning living marine resources.