Captain Twining graduated from Long Island University, Southampton with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology. Immediately after graduation, she moved to Alaska to work as a Fisheries Biologist on commercial fishing boats. There, she obtained a USCG 100-Ton Masters and Diesel Engine Mechanic’s License and was working towards managing a Fishing Charter operation when she received a commission in the NOAA Corps in July 1999. Capt Twining forged her first 2 years in the NOAA Corps as a junior officer on the NOAA Ship Rainier. Though a difficult decision to move away from service at sea, CAPT Twining heard a louder calling to serve as a NOAA Aviator and earned her wings in June of 2002.