2024 MTS Scholarship Recipients

 Each year, MTS proudly awards scholarship funding to students pursuing full-time marine technology related programs. We are thrilled to present this year's recipients who have demonstrated academic excellence, innovative thinking, and a passion for advancing our understanding of the marine environment. Meet the scholarship recipients below. 

John C. Bajus Scholarship

Open to MTS members who are college undergraduates and graduate students currently enrolled full-time in a marine-related field who have shown a commitment to community service and/or volunteer activities. 

Aiden Pegues

"It is with deepest gratitude that I accept the MTS John C. Bajus Scholarship. As I am preparing to sail on my first summer cruise on the TS Kennedy, this scholarship helps me to obtain a top-notch, hands on education at Texas A& M Maritime Academy. Thank you to the Marine Technology Society for your support and helping students, like myself, pursue academic excellence in marine technology fields!"

Bio: Aiden Pegues, a Florida Keys native, is driven by a lifelong passion for marine engineering technology. Aiden is pursuing a degree at Texas A&M Maritime Academy, focusing on Marine Engineering Technology with Licensure. His extensive experience includes developing award-winning clean water filtration systems and advocating for marine conservation as an Eagle Scout. Aiden has collaborated with research institutions and marine conservation organizations to develop and deploy innovative instrumentation for monitoring and protecting marine biodiversity. This includes the utilization of advanced sensors, autonomous vehicles, and data analytics to inform conservation strategies and contribute to the overall understanding of marine ecosystems.

The Paros-Digiquartz Scholarship

Open to MTS members with an interest in marine instrumentation who are undergraduate or graduate students currently enrolled full-time in an academic institution. 

Olagoke Daramola

"I am honored to have been selected as a recipient of the MTS Paros-Digiquartz scholarship award. I am sincerely grateful to the Marine Technology Society for this generous support toward my education, as it will significantly ease the financial burden associated with my studies. This recognition has motivated me greatly and encourages me to continue striving for academic excellence in my current and future endeavors. Thank you for this impactful contribution."

Bio: Olagoke Daramola is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Marine Science (Hydrography) at the University of Southern Mississippi, having previously completed a graduate program where he earned an FIG/IHO/ICA Category “A” certificate in Hydrographic Science. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in surveying and Geoinformatics from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. Throughout his academic journey, Olagoke has co-authored numerous journal articles in geomatics, covering a wide range of satellite remote sensing applications such as monitoring spatio-temporal land cover changes in coastal environments, groundwater exploration, and crustal deformation.

As a Ph.D. student in Marine Science, Olagoke has contributed to the automation of the desiccation cycle of off-bottom oyster growing equipment, aimed at enhancing oyster farming efficiency. He has gained hands-on experience in working with small AUVs, notably the Iver3, equipped with an interferometric side-scan sonar system and underwater 360° LiDAR. Additionally, he has developed expertise in multibeam data acquisition and processing using both proprietary software packages and self-developed computer programs.

Currently, his research focuses on developing an algorithm to enhance point cloud generation from a novel AUV-based underwater 360° LiDAR system. Key milestones achieved include a novel approach for LiDAR receiver angular response calibration, waveform decomposition, geometric calibration (motion correction and georeferencing), and radiometric correction of the waveforms. His ongoing work involves refining the algorithm to merge sonar- and LiDAR-derived point clouds, enabling a more comprehensive and detailed depiction of the seafloor. 

Charles H. Bussmann Undergraduate Scholarship

Open to MTS members who are college undergraduate students currently enrolled full-time in a marine-related field. 

Katelyn Seay

"I am so proud and honored to be awarded the Bussmann Undergraduate Scholarship! MTS is such a special organization to me and has given me so much support in my educational career. I am deeply fascinated by marine technology because it allows us to explore the ocean in ways that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye, and it provides numerous opportunities to advance our understanding of marine science. My involvement in MTS will only grow and I can't wait to learn more about marine technology!"

Bio: My name is Katelyn Seay and I am an undergraduate student studying Marine Science at Stockton University, with a keen interest in coastal wetland ecology, marine technology, and biological oceanography. I approach every task with a strong sense of dedication and enthusiasm, as demonstrated by my proactive engagement in volunteering and seeking opportunities with faculty and staff. As a research assistant, I have participated in surveys in Barnegat Bay and the Great Bay, utilizing an acoustic Doppler current profiler to measure the velocity of currents at the inlets. I presented this research with my team to students and faculty at the MARS STARS Undergraduate Symposium. Additionally, my experience with marine technology includes volunteering to assist field station staff in mapping derelict crab traps in the Mullica River-Great Bay estuary using side-scan sonar. Currently, I am a research assistant involved in seagrass surveys in Barnegat Bay and interning with Save Barnegat Bay, conducting research in the Sedge Island Marine Conservation Zone. These experiences have significantly shaped my professional development, and I am dedicated to further expanding my knowledge and expertise in the field of Marine Science! 

Nathaniel Ashford

"Nathaniel is incredibly honored to be given the Marine Technology Society (MTS) Charles H. Bussmann Undergraduate Scholarship. MTS has been a huge influence in his life through the MATE ROV Competition, and he is excited to take the next step in his education at Willamette University with that support."

Bio: Nathaniel Ashford is a MATE ROV alumni and volunteer, currently wrapping up travel, internships and ROV field work before beginning an engineering degree at Willamette University.  Nathaniel’s gap years led him to adventures in the outbacks of Australia, road trips across the deserts of the southwest US, and exploits on his guitar as the lead guitarist on the local rock band Boderus.

Growing up on board a sailboat, Nathaniel developed a passion for the ocean, and his experiences captured his curiosity for the undersea world, naturally leading him to building and designing ROVs to explore his watery backyard. His subsequent underwater robotics team, the Sea Dragons, competed at MATE ROV Competitions both regionally and internationally, winning coveted awards, and following that up with real world ROV work at local marinas. 

Recently, Nathaniel has participated in county internships in storm surge monitoring, local derelict crab pot recovery, and even National Marine Sanctuary buoy maintenance. Nathaniel and the Sea Dragons team and robot can be found filling the growing niche in the emerging fields of oceanic sciences, working alongside scientists and divers, and designing new upgrades specific to each project. This fall, Nathaniel plans on bringing his field experience, data management skills, and ocean engineering designs as an undergraduate to Willamette University, to formalize and expand his education. He has enjoyed and appreciated the mentorship and support of the  MTS MATE ROV community as well as that of the members of the Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee and the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary.

Charles H. Bussmann Graduate Scholarship

Open to MTS members who are college graduate students currently enrolled full-time in a marine-related field. 

Sridhar Krishnamoorthy

"Receiving the MTS Charles H. Bussmann Graduate Scholarship fills me with gratitude as it not only assists me with my academic pursuits but also validates my commitment and capabilities. It's a beacon of opportunity, inspiring me to aim higher and achieve more than I ever imagined."

Bio: Sridhar Krishnamoorthy is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the Department of Ocean Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM). His doctoral research focuses on “Ship Shaped FPSO with Asymmetric mooring and Riser system for Deep and Ultradeep water.” Previously, Sridhar Krishnamoorthy earned his master's degree with top honors from A. C Government College of Engineering & Technology (ACGCET) Karaikudi, Tamilnadu. His research interests include Structural analysis, Fluid-structure interactions, Hydrodynamics of Deepwater platforms, Coupled analysis, Mooring & riser systems, etc. Beyond academia, he actively engages in various professional organizations such as MTS, ASCE, ASME, IEEE, and IEEE OES. Additionally, Sridhar Krishnamoorthy holds associate memberships with RINA and life memberships with Ships Offshore Coastal and Environmental Research Society (SOCERS) and The Indian Society for Hydraulics (ISH).

Jordan Rees

"I am incredibly grateful to receive this scholarship. It not only acknowledges my efforts and achievements in the field of marine technology but also provides vital support as I continue my studies and work towards making meaningful contributions to ocean surveying and mapping. This scholarship enables me to further my commitment to inspire future generations in our marine environments and advance the field through innovation and education. As a father and husband, this scholarship also represents an opportunity to inspire my children and show them that with dedication and hard work, anything is possible."

Bio: Jordan Rees is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in marine technology and ocean surveying. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Applied Ocean Technology at the Marine Institute of Memorial University in Newfoundland, having achieved a 4.0 GPA in this program. Jordan is a licensed Canada Lands Surveyor (CLS) with a background in Geomatics Engineering Technology. Professionally, he has worked in various supervisory and management roles, demonstrating his ability to lead teams and manage complex projects.

Jordan’s journey in marine technology is marked by a continuous quest for knowledge, innovation, and a profound respect for our oceans. Beyond his professional duties, he is deeply committed to community service and mentoring. In 2014, he founded the Canada Lands Surveyor (CLS) and the Canadian Board of Examiners for Professional Surveyors (CBEPS) study groups. He also actively volunteers for the ROV MATE competition and World Oceans Day, reflecting his passion for marine awareness and education.

Jordan is a proud father of two young boys and a devoted husband. His family is his greatest source of inspiration and motivation. Balancing his professional and academic pursuits with his responsibilities as a father and husband is a testament to his commitment. His family’s support fuels his dedication to making meaningful contributions to the field and ensuring a sustainable future for the next generation. 

Dieter Family Scholarship

Open to MTS members that are college undergraduates or graduate students currently enrolled full-time in a marine-related field. Full student registration and UP TO $1,500 for travel-related expenses to attend the OCEANS Conference. Winners are strongly encouraged to volunteer while at OCEANS. Winners will be required to submit an expense report with all receipts to ensure the money was used properly. Final approval will be determined by the MTS office. 

Adyn McHugh

"I am overjoyed to win this scholarship, it is an amazing opportunity for me to open new doors and discover pathways to create enriching experiences for my degree in Marine Technology."

Bio: My name is Adyn McHugh, I am a student at Northwestern Michigan College. A fun fact about me is that I am the president of our student section of the Marine Technology Society! I love to do data processing, as well as be a part of the crew of NMC's research vessel. In the summer I work at the Grand Traverse Lighthouse as an ROV technician/intern. I enjoy being around or on the water, having bonfires with my friends, and hiking around Leelanau Peninsula in Michigan.

Kayla Haas

"As someone who has always had a deep passion for studying the ocean, I could not have been more ecstatic to have received this scholarship. I am graduating with a master's degree soon and looking to network; having this opportunity to attend the OCEANS conference is something I am so excited to experience and learn about groundbreaking marine research."

Bio: As a dedicated graduate student in the Master of Science program in Marine Biology at the University of California San Diego, I am deeply passionate about learning and caring for the planet we live on and the animals we share it with. My current roles as a graduate student researcher encompass a blend of academic pursuit and practical application. At the Scripps Whale Acoustics Laboratory, I specialize in conducting acoustic analyses using a high-frequency acoustic recording package of the underwater vocalizations produced by marine mammals. Concurrently, I am a dolphin trainer within a UCSD research lab, investigating bottlenose dolphins' cognitive and communication abilities using GoPros and hydrophones. I am open to any opportunities to contribute to wildlife and environmental conservation efforts, as well as gain wildlife care, research, and education experience. My academic interests include exploring marine mammal habitats and foraging ecology, physiology and behavior, and acoustics.

Genevieve Coblentz-Strong

"I am very grateful for the generous support from the Dieter Family Scholarship that will enable me to attend the OCEANS 24 Conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The conference will be a tremendous opportunity for me to learn about the breadth of marine technology innovations and to connect with like-minded individuals."

Bio: Genevieve Coblentz-Strong is a fourth-year undergraduate student at Oregon State University where she is pursuing degrees in oceanography and mechanical engineering. She has had a passion for the ocean from a young age and plans to apply her education and experience toward a career in marine technology. Genevieve has spent the past two years working at Oregon State University’s Innovation Lab where she has designed, built, and tested a low-cost environmental DNA sampler for use in marine-related research. She has spent over 70 days at sea contributing to oceanographic research and marine technology development and looks forward to many more days at sea in her career!