Vice President of Publications and Communications - Dr. Alicia Mahon

Alicia Mahon, Ph.D., PMP is Group Leader for Operational Systems Engineering at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), where she leads multidisciplinary research focused on environmental monitoring, energy systems, and field operations. Throughout her career, she has worked across ocean observations, offshore wind, marine energy, and environmental monitoring, building partnerships that span academia, government, industry, and international organizations. She has authored more than 80 peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, technical reports, and executive presentations. Alicia has been involved with the Marine Technology Society since her undergraduate years and credits MTS as an important part of her professional journey. Her service to the Society has focused largely on the Marine Technology Society Journal (MTSJ), where she served on the Editorial Board for two years before becoming a General Editor in 2020. She also served as Guest Editor for the MTSJ Buoy Technology Special Issue and was a member of the organizing committee for the 2024 MTS Buoy Workshop. One of the things Alicia enjoys most about MTS is the opportunity to connect people from different parts of the marine technology community, whether they come from academia, government, industry, or are just getting started in their careers. She is passionate about helping share new ideas, supporting the next generation of marine technologists, and ensuring MTS remains a vibrant and valuable professional home for its members. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her partner and two children and can often be found hiking, camping, or enjoying time in, on, and around the water.

Indicate one or two key goals that you hope to accomplish in this position over the next 3 years: 
If elected Vice President of Publications and Communications, I would focus on two areas that I believe are important to the future of MTS. First, I want to help the Marine Technology Society Journal continue to grow as a trusted and valuable resource for our members and the broader marine technology community. The Journal plays an important role in giving MTS credibility and providing a home for high-quality, peer-reviewed work. I look forward to working closely with the Managing Editor, Editorial Board, and Board of Directors to attract strong submissions, develop impactful special issues, and ensure the Journal reflects the breadth of our community. I'd also like to see greater participation from students, early career professionals, international contributors, and voices that may not always be well represented in traditional publishing. Second, I want to help MTS connect with members in the ways they prefer to engage today. The Journal will always be a cornerstone of the Society, but there are also opportunities to amplify MTS content through podcasts, videos, social media, and other digital platforms. By connecting our publications and communications efforts, we can better showcase member accomplishments, highlight emerging technologies, and create more opportunities for members to engage with MTS throughout the year.

Discuss the qualities and experience you possess that make you a strong candidate for the position for which you are running: 
I believe I bring a combination of experience, enthusiasm, and perspective that makes me well suited for this role. MTS has been an important part of my professional journey since my undergraduate years, and I've had the opportunity to contribute to the Society in several ways, from serving on the Editorial Board and as a General Editor for the Marine Technology Society Journal to guest editing the Buoy Technology Special Issue and helping organize the 2024 Buoy Workshop. These experiences have given me a strong understanding of both the Journal and the broader MTS community. Professionally, I've worked across many areas of the marine technology space, including ocean observations, environmental monitoring, offshore wind, and marine energy. Along the way, I've built a broad network that spans academia, government, national laboratories, industry, and international partners. I believe those connections can help strengthen the Journal by bringing in new authors, reviewers, and ideas. Most importantly, I'm someone who enjoys bringing people together and turning ideas into action. My leadership style is collaborative, energetic, and focused on getting things done. I would bring both a fresh perspective and practical experience to the Board, along with a genuine passion for helping MTS publications and communications continue to grow and provide value for our members.