Awards and Honors
Award Program Details
Marine Technology Society Awards and Honors Program
MTS recognizes engineers, scientists, technologists, policy-makers, educators, and students who make a significant impact on the profession or in their community. Each MTS award winner is recognized during the annual OCEANS conference and in various publications.
Nomination Process
The nomination period has closed for 2022 and will open again in January 2023.
About MTS Fellows
Designation as a Marine Technology Society Fellow is one of the highest accolades a member can achieve. Since 1975, this title had been awarded to MTS members who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of the Society’s objectives and who have distinguished accomplishments and experience in their professional fields.
About Honorary Members
This honor is bestowed upon unanimous approval of the Board, to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the marine community and who have, through service to the community, acted in consonance with the objectives of the Society.
2022 MTS Award Recipients
Compass Distinguished Achievement Award: Presented to an individual whose career includes achievements that have had a significant impact on the fields of marine science and technology.
Recipient – Dr. Deidre M. Gibson, University Endowed Professor and Chair of Marine and Environmental Science, Hampton University
- Dr. Gibson is a stalwart and unparalleled leader in the pursuit of preparing the next generation of African American marine scientists. While at Hampton University, she has led granted funded programs from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to improve student outcomes through research opportunities, and worked with public school teachers to develop ocean sustainability curriculum.
Compass International Award: Presented to an individual, company, or organization (outside the United States) for outstanding contributions to the advancement of marine science and technology.
Recipient – Oceans Network Canada
- Oceans Network Canada (ONC) has delivered outstanding advances in research, development, design, education, and public understanding that has contributed to a new information-based blue economy and demonstrates the benefits of public and private investments in our marine technology enterprise. Their infrastructure has provided a profound impact on the world’s cabled observatories by bringing cutting-edge real-time ocean monitoring technologies to operational status, as well as enabled research and education in ocean sciences based on data thereby generated.
Compass Industrial Award: Presented to any industrial firm (excluding government and non-profit organizations) that has demonstrated outstanding contributions to marine science and technology.
Recipient – RPS North America
- RPS North America is a leading developer in the integration of ocean, coastal and Great lakes data and is revolutionizing the application and use of marine data within North America. Their systems and technology overlayed with real-time data have increased safety and awareness through partnerships in the public and private sector to address societal challenges.
Lockheed Martin Award for Ocean Science and Engineering: Presented to an individual who has demonstrated the highest degree of technical accomplishment in the field of marine science, engineering, or technology.
Recipient – Dr. Jan Newton, Executive Director, Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems (NANOOS), Senior Principal Oceanographer and Affiliate Professor, University of Washington
- Dr. Newton has made significant contributions to the design and development of sustained ocean observing, data analysis and forecasting. She led the coordination between IOOS, NOAA and the shellfish growers to research and mitigate ocean acidification that nearly devastated a $5 billion dollar industry within the United States. Dr. Newton is globally recognized as an expert in this field and is a co-founder and co-chair of the Global Ocean Acidification Network.
John P. Craven Mentor Award: Recognizing the long and impactful career of John Piña Craven, the award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding and sustained service to the field of marine technology through mentoring.
Recipient – Dr. J. Preetha Roselyn, Faculty Advisor, MTS SRM Student Section, Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, India
- Dr. Roselyn is a dedicated teacher with over 20 years of experience and is an active researcher in the field of renewable energy and Smart Grid technology. Under her guidance, many of her students have received scholarships, project funding and internships. She has organized 30 technical training programs, workshops, seminars for the undergraduate and post graduate students through the SRM MTS Student Section.
Ocean News & Technology Young Professional Award: Presented to an MTS member, 35 years of age or younger, who has demonstrated leadership in the Society and works in a professional capacity in management, engineering, or research and development in a marine technology field.
Recipient – Ms. Cassidy Gonzalez-Morabito, P-8 SEIT Engineer, Boeing
- Ms. Gonzalez-Morabito is being recognized for her work in the test and integration of software to support naval operations. She has led the updated release of multiple test software packages, which have improved test reliability, reduced false failure rates, increased test speed, updated instrumentation, and simplified operations. These test software packages are used to provide confidence to Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) units before they are deployed in naval aircraft.
Walter Munk Award: The Walter Munk Scholar Award, honoring Walter Munk’s legacy, is jointly sponsored and awarded by the Walter Munk Foundation for the Oceans (WMFO) and the Marine Technology Society (MTS). The Award is presented annually to a scholar currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or postdoctoral program.
Recipient – Ms. Marta D. Palacios, PhD Candidate, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR), Mexico
- Ms. Palacios has made outstanding contributions to the study of manta ray conservation and ecology. Ms. Palacios has assembled a diverse team, including local fishermen, to tag and track manta rays incidentally caught in the artisanal gill net fishery. In addition, she is working on understanding the large-scale seasonal movement patterns in relation to prey availability - key components for developing feasible conservation management plans. Her work will form a key piece in developing feasible strategies for reducing manta ray bycatch in Mexican waters.
MTS Outstanding Service Award: Presented to an MTS member or member organization in recognition of outstanding accomplishments in fulfilling the objectives and missions of the Society.
Recipient – CAPT Ray Toll USN (Ret), Co-chair OCEANS 2022 Hampton Roads, Former Director, Old Dominion University Coastal Resilience Research.
- CAPT (Ret) Toll has tirelessly given his time to MTS. He chaired OCEANS 2012 Hampton Roads and is serving as the Co-Chair for OCEANS 2022 Hampton Roads. He has held numerous leadership positions including Chair of the Hampton Roads Section, Vice President of Industry and Technology, and President of MTS. During his leadership tenure, he created and implemented the concept of a TechSurge, a program model still utilized today by MTS.
MTS Outstanding Student Section Award: Presented to an established MTS Student Section that demonstrates superior performance in the advancement of the Society’s objectives.
Recipient – Sri Sairam College of Engineering, Bangaluru, India
- The Sri Sairam College of Engineering Student Section has developed innovative webinars, workshops, and activities exclusively designed by students under the guidance of academicians. Their students have participated in the MTS Nanda Student Innovation Award competition, Student Autonomous Underwater Vehicle SAVe India competition, TOGETHER 21- Entrepreneurship Bootcamp and Venture Competition with Schulich School of Business & Start-up India, and the Smart India Hackathon.
MTS Fellow: Since 1975, the title of MTS Fellow has been awarded to MTS members who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of the Society’s objectives and who have distinguished themselves in their fields.
Recipient – Ms. Donna Kocak, Engineering Fellow, Advanced Technology Manager for Strategic Initiatives, L3Harris Technologies
- Ms. Kocak has actively supported MTS as President, Vice President of Publications, Chair of the Underwater Imaging Committee, and founder of founder of the Ocean Observing Systems Committee. Additionally, she co-chairs the Joint OCEANS Administrative Board and the MTS Liaison to the Ocean Decade. Donna has over 30 years of experience in design, development and testing of many scientific and engineering projects involving computer vision, underwater imaging and communications and ocean observing and space satellite systems.
Recipient – Mr. Donald Peters, Principal Engineer Department of Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering, Wood Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI)
- Mr. Peters serves as Co-Chair of the MTS Buoy Technology Committee, leading community efforts to advance buoy and mooring technology. He is a skillful mentor for MIT students and at WHOI and has authored many research articles and per-reviewed papers. His work as chief engineering for the re-design of the submersible ALVIN, new mooring technology patents, contributions for the National Science Foundation Ocean Observing Initiative, and support to launch EOM Offshore, LLC have supported fundamental advancements in ocean and marine technology.
Recipient – Dr. Fritz Stahr, Affiliate Professor, University of Washington
- Dr. Stahr is a long-standing MTS member who service as MTS Puget Sound Section Chair and now as Treasurer for the Section has been instrumental in maintaining an active and vibrant section. He also served as Chair for OCEANS 2019 Seattle and as regional coordinator for the MATE ROV competition the past 15 years. As an affiliate professor at the School of Oceanology, University of Washington, Dr. Stahr has inspired countless students to pursue a career in ocean sciences and technology.
Learn About Our Awards...
Compass Distinguished Achievement Award
Presented to any individual who has sustained a career marked by achievements that have had significant impact on the fields of marine science and technology; open to those from any country or territory. MTS Membership not required.
Compass International Award
Presented to an individual, company or organization for outstanding contributions to the advancement of marine science and technology; open to those from any country or territory outside the United States. MTS Membership not required.
Compass Industrial Award
Presented to any legally operated industrial firm (excluding government and non-profit organizations) that has demonstrated outstanding contributions to marine science and technology; open to those from any country or territory. MTS Membership not required.
John P. Craven Mentor Award
Presented to any established MTS Mentor invoking the long and impactful career of John Pina Craven, this award is conferred upon an MTS member who has demonstrated outstanding and sustained service to the field of marine technology through mentoring; open to those from any country or territory.
Walter Munk Scholar Award and Commemorative Lecture
Oceanographer Walter Munk was renowned for his significant contributions to the study of oceanography, including: pioneering work on predicting wave and surf conditions, underwater sound propagation, internal waves, and development of acoustic tomography.
The Walter Munk Scholar Award is jointly sponsored and awarded by the Walter Munk Foundation for the Oceans (WMFO) and the Marine Technology Society (MTS). The Award is presented annually to a scholar currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or postdoctoral program. It recognizes their outstanding contributions in areas fostered by the sponsoring organizations. Established in 2019, the Award honors Walter Munk’s legacy of daring exploration and discovery through ocean scientific and technology research, ocean education or ocean conservation; open to those from any country or territory. MTS Membership not required.
Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration
Awarded jointly by the Marine Technology Society and the Society for Underwater Technology, this awards recognizes outstanding, sustained, international contribution to the development, application, and propagation of marine technology toward the advancement of ocean exploration; open to those from any country or territory.
Don Walsh (born November 2, 1931) is an American oceanographer, explorer, retired naval officer, and marine policy specialist. He and Jacques Piccard were aboard the bathyscaphe Trieste when it made a record descent into the Mariana Trench on January 23, 1960, the deepest point of the world’s oceans. Learn more about Don Walsh and the Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration HERE. MTS Membership not required.
Lockheed Martin Award for Ocean Science and Engineering
Lockheed Martin sponsored award that is presented to an individual who has demonstrated the highest degree of technical accomplishment in the field of marine science, engineering or technology; open to those from any country or territory. MTS Membership not required.
Ocean News and Technology Young Professional Award
Presented to an individual 35 years old or younger who is an MTS member in good standing who has shown leadership in MTS and who works in a professional capacity in management, engineering or research and development in a marine technology field; open to those from any country or territory.
MTS Fellow
Designation as a Marine Technology Society Fellow is one of the highest industry accolades. Since 1975, this title has been awarded to MTS members who’ve made outstanding contributions to the advancement of the Society’s objectives and who have distinguished accomplishments in their professional fields; open to those from any country or territory. Nominees must be a current MTS member, an MTS member in good standing for at least five years, and be sponsored by at least three MTS members in good standing. Please be sure to verify the membership status and contact information for all three sponsors prior to filling out the nomination form at link below. View a list of MTS Fellows.
MTS Outstanding Service Award
Presented to an MTS member or member organization in recognition of outstanding accomplishments in fulfilling the objectives and missions of the Marine Technology Society; open to those from any country or territory.
MTS Outstanding Section Award
Presented to an MTS Section in recognition of activities conducted in advancement of the objectives of the society.
MTS Outstanding Committee Award
Presented to an MTS Committee in recognition of activities conducted in advancement of the society’s objectives.
MTS Outstanding Student Section Award
Presented to any established MTS Student Section demonstrating superior performance in the advancement of the society’s objectives. Learn more, view the application.
MTS Special Commendation and Award
This Award is presented to an individual, group or organization in recognition of outstanding accomplishments leading to significant advances in marine affairs. Open to anyone in management, public service, and the social science fields from any country or territory.
MTS Announces Its 2021 Award Recipients
The Marine Technology Society has announced its 2021 Award Winners. The diverse field of individual recipients—students, young professionals, and career professionals—have distinguished themselves in their work, through technological accomplishment, volunteer service, or mentorship. In addition, MTS is honoring a company for its outstanding contribution for the advancement in a marine technology and our MTS Committees and Sections who are foundational to the advancement of the MTS mission. awardees work with unfailing commitment to e problems that impact our globally connected society in aren’t fully aware of. The awards will be presented at OCEANS 2021 San Diego-Porto.
This year’s recipients :
Compass Distinguished Achievement Award: Presented to an individual whose career includes achievements that have had a significant impact on the fields of marine science and technology.
Recipient – Daniel Rudnick, Director of the Instrument Development Group, Scripps Institute of Oceanography
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Prof. Dan Rudnick is being recognized for outstanding contributions to physical oceanography, his many multidisciplinary collaborations, his dedication to ocean observing, and his astute understanding of stakeholder/community needs. Rudnick is a professor at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where he formerly was Deputy Director of Education and Director of the Climate Ocean Atmosphere Program and currently serves as the Director of the Instrument Development Group. He is considered one of the world's leading experts in applying subsurface observations to advancing our understanding of the ocean dynamics, heat budgets, and circulation. To that end, he has collaborated with many ocean modelers to ensure that glider data are used and useful for model validation and data assimilation methods.
Compass International Award: Presented to an individual, company, or organization (outside the United States) for outstanding contributions to the advancement of marine science and technology.
Recipient – Integrated Marine Observing System Australia
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Since 2006, the Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) has successfully operated a wide range of marine technology throughout Australia’s coastal and open oceans, turning observations into open data for the marine and climate science community, decision makers and international collaborators. IMOS has provided Australia with a step-change in marine observing and data management capability over the last fifteen years. Specifically it has advanced sustained ocean observing through operating ~10% of the global Argo; maintaining a wide range of sensors on ships of opportunity (both research and commercial); maintaining deep water mooring sites including in the Southern Ocean; developing and operating a national glider fleet, a national high frequency radar network, a national autonomous underwater vehicle facility, a national network of long-term reference sites and coastal moorings; a nationally coordinated animal tagging and monitoring network; and a sensor network on the Great Barrier Reef.
Compass Industrial Award: Presented to any industrial firm (excluding government and non-profit organizations) that has demonstrated outstanding contributions to marine science and technology.
Recipient – Kongsberg Maritime
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Kongsberg Maritime’s history as part of leading Norwegian industrial powerhouse KONGSBERG stretches back over 200 years. Today, more than 18,000 merchant ships, fishing vessels, cruise liners, ferries and superyachts, as well as offshore support and research vessels, offshore installations and government craft, depend on Kongsberg Maritime technology and people, wherever they are.
Lockheed Martin Award for Ocean Science and Engineering: Presented to an individual who has demonstrated the highest degree of technical accomplishment in the field of marine science, engineering, or technology.
Recipient – Dr. Christopher Scholin, President/CEO - Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
- Dr. Scholin has made significant contributions to the field of harmful algal blooms (HABs). An important part of Dr. Scholin’s work has also been to foster and promote a shared vison for how to advance and disseminate ocean technology. This has included assisting NOAA and others in their strategic developments for genomics, autonomous systems and artificial intelligence. MTS would like to thank Lockheed Martin for their ongoing sponsorship of this award and their gift of $2,500 to the recipient being honored this year.
John P. Craven Mentor Award: Recognizing the long and impactful career of John Piña Craven, the award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding and sustained service to the field of marine technology through mentoring.
Recipient – Roy Watlington, Professor Emeritus of Physics at the University of the Virgin Islands and the co-founder of the Caribbean Coastal Ocean Observing System (CARICOOS).
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Roy has devoted the last forty years to teaching, researching, and observing the waters in and around the Caribbean. He has taught science in public high schools and oceanography in multiple Historically Black Colleges and Universities including UVI, University of District of Columbia, and the Washington Technical Institute. His enthusiasm for science and his genuine interest in his students makes him an approachable teacher who excites students about science.
Ocean News and Technology Young Professional Award: Presented to an MTS member, 35 years old or younger, who has demonstrated leadership in the Society and works in a professional capacity in management, engineering, or research and development in a marine technology field.
Recipient – Mathew Biddle, Integrated Systems Solutions
Matt is being recognized for his exceptional work of supporting the integration and management of marine life data for the US Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS). Matt’s broad experience and outstanding cyberinfrastructure data management skills and abilities enable him to successfully lead and manage the extensive coordination and collaboration across multiple federal, state, tribal, and industry partners and stakeholders that is essential for responsive and productive IOOS data collection and management.
Walter Munk Award: The Walter Munk Scholar Award: This award is jointly sponsored and awarded by the Walter Munk Foundation for the Oceans (WMFO) and the Marine Technology Society (MTS). The Award is presented annually to a scholar currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or postdoctoral program. Established in 2019, the Award honors Walter Munk’s legacy of daring exploration and discovery through ocean scientific and technology research, ocean education or ocean conservation; open to those from any country or territory.
Recipient - Elizabeth-Wright Fairbanks, Rutgers University
Elizabeth (Liza) Wright-Fairbanks, a PhD student at Rutgers University, has made outstanding contributions to the technological development, application, and propagation of a novel glider-based pH sensor for ocean acidification observations scalable to the global level. Liza has been intimately involved in the development of the novel sensor since the inception of this initiative. She collaborated with industry partners Sea-Bird Scientific and Teledyne Webb Research during sensor development and testing.
Special Commendation: This Award is presented to an individual, group or organization in recognition of outstanding accomplishments leading to significant advances in marine affairs. Open to anyone in management, public service, and the social science fields.
Nanda Kumar, who tragically died this year, served as Secretary of the MTS India Section. Known for his honest and energetic personality, Nanda helped found the MTS India Section and was the founder of the company Elekronik Lab, a marine communications and navigations company based in Chennai. Nanda was instrumental in founding the MTS India section and facilitated meetings with marine industry professionals from India and abroad. He worked closely with MTS student sections and gave lectures to students interested in pursuing marine science careers. He also was a passionate advocate for mariners to receive proper health care while at sea. Nanda attended OCEANS conferences in Italy and Alaska, and his dedication to MTS resulted in the India Section receiving the Best Section Award. He motivated students to start MTS Student sections in India and offered internships to students He was a passionate and dedicated promoter of Safety at Sea and over sea for the past 25 years and worked for the welfare of mariners on telemedicine. Mr. Kumar was often consulted on maritime communication & security issues by many countries/Governments. A fishing vessel tracking solution he developed is currently being used in 5 countries. He was a strong pillar for the growth of MTS India
MTS Outstanding Service Award: Presented to an MTS member or member organization in recognition of outstanding accomplishments in fulfilling the objectives and missions of the Society.
Recipient – Steve Browne, MTS Dynamic Positioning Committee
Steve has been a strong, avid and visible supporter of the MTS Dynamic Positioning Committee (DPC) since its inception. This support predated his appointment to the Technical Committee and subsequent elevation as Chairman of the MTS DP Conference sub-committee, a position he has held for the last nine years. He has long experience in management of marine technology companies and is currently serving as General Manager of Offshore Analysis & Research Solutions, LLC.
MTS Outstanding Section Award: Presented to an MTS Section in recognition of activities conducted in the advancement of the objectives of the Society.
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The Gulf Coast Section annually hosts the Oceans In Action Workshop, a leading forum in the region on educating private industry and researchers on the operational needs of local federal agencies, which has expanded this year to include the Port Security Summit. Additionally, the Section hosted the Global OCEANS 2020 conference, an international opportunity to educate professionals worldwide on new efforts in marine science and technology. This conference also boasts a Student Poster Competition, for which the Gulf Coast Section covered the cost of the awards for this program. The Section routinely provides funding and volunteers to the Hurricane Bowl and the National Ocean Sciences Bowl when held in the area and supports the MATE ROV competition. The Section interacts routinely with the USM Student Section, providing support and assistance whenever needed. The section is active and engaged with more than 200 members.
MTS Outstanding Student Section Award: Presented to an established MTS Student Section that demonstrates superior performance in the advancement of the Society’s objectives.
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Formed in 2016, participating institutions include Stockton University, Rutgers University, Monmouth University, and the Stevens Institute of Technology. As a statewide section, student members across the state have access to a larger peer group with the same shared interests, unique and complimentary marine technology facilities housed at each participating institution, and a network of mentors across a much broader spectrum of the marine technology section. The section is very active and has participated in fieldwork experiences (glider deployments, sonar surveys) at the various institutions, including: Rutgers and Northwestern Michigan College for MTS camps; Great Lakes TechSurge; Stockton University; and others.
MTS Fellow: Since 1975, the MTS Fellow title has been awarded to MTS members who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of the Society’s objectives and who have distinguished themselves in their fields.
Recipient - Dick Crout, MTS Vice President for Sections
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Dick is a long-standing member of the Marine Technology Society and is actively involved at the local Section level, as well as at the national/international level. Dick has served in every level of officer in the local Gulf Coast Section and is currently Treasurer. Annually, he supports the Oceans In Action Workshop in any way he is needed and has served as emcee, financial POC, and speaker. For the 2009 OCEANS conference, Dick served as the Chair for the Technical Program Committee. This began what is now more than a decade of support to OCEANS conferences, as Dick immediately began to serve on the Joint OCEANS Administrative Board (JOAB) and continues in this role today. Over this time period, he has advised numerous Local Organizing Committee Members as they coordinate their events. For Global OCEANS 2020 and the upcoming OCEANS 2023 conference, Dick served/serves as the Financial Chair. He is also currently serving as the MTS Vice President for Sections.
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