As I near the end of my two terms as Vice President of Education for MTS, I find myself reflecting on a journey that has been equal parts humbling, energizing, and deeply fulfilling. It has been truly inspiring to work with such dedicated volunteers and staff teaming together to advance the society in support of our global marine technology community.  

When I stepped into this role, I was motivated by a simple belief: that investing in and supporting our students and early career ocean professionals (ECOPs) is the most powerful way to ensure a vibrant future for our field. What I’ve experienced since then – through every Board meeting, scholarship cycle, summer workshop, EMERGE cohort journey, and Student Section event – has only deepened that conviction. 

Together, we’ve expanded the MTS scholarship program significantly. Heading into the next academic year, MTS is proud to award $35,000 to a group of exceptional students – future leaders whose curiosity and dedication remind us why this work matters. In the coming months, you’ll see a series of spotlights on these deserving individuals who will certainly go on to achieve great things. These contributions are in addition to the generous scholarships and endowments given annually from many of our MTS Sections around the world. 

We have also welcomed more student members than ever before into the MTS community, thanks in large part to the incredible energy and talent brought by the expansion of our global network of student sections and the integration of the MATE program into the MTS community. MATE’s mission to inspire and equip the next generation of marine professionals aligns beautifully with our own, and its addition to the MTS family has supercharged our efforts to grow and support students and academic institutions around the world. It’s been a privilege to witness that momentum and help create new avenues for leveraging our energized student and mentor volunteers and the MATE>MTS pipeline. With this momentum the voice of students within the MTS ecosystem will continue to thrive.  

One of the most rewarding aspects of my time has been watching the EMERGE program grow from an ambitious idea into a thriving initiative. Initiated by our ECOP members early in my term on the Board, MTS has advanced our engagement and support of ECOP members.  When the MTS Board made the forward-thinking decision to embrace ECOPs and build them into the structures of the Society, EMERGE was an important piece of that strategy—giving students and ECOPs a tailored and supportive environment to experience an industry conference, and facilitating mentorships to sustain that momentum. Today, EMERGE continues to serve that purpose in a meaningful and unique way. The program has expanded to engage participants throughout the year, and plans are underway to build out a career accelerator program—building upon the success of EMERGE—in the coming year. My greatest thrill is interacting and meeting these incredible members of our global marine technology community.   

We have also taken bold steps into the future with the inception of the MTS microcredentials program. Now in its initial phase of awarding these stackable skills-based credentials, and with the promise of major partnerships still in development, this effort holds immense promise. By engaging experts across the society to create flexible, accessible pathways for continuous learning, we’re setting the stage for more inclusive and adaptive professional growth – something our field needs now more than ever. 

Serving on the MTS Board has been an extraordinary privilege. It’s a rare thing to work alongside such a dedicated group of volunteers and staff, all united by a shared commitment to advancing marine technology. The relationships I’ve built and the perspectives I’ve gained have enriched me in ways I never expected, and I consider myself a student who has learned from all of you. 

Now, as nominations are being accepted for MTS Board positions, I encourage you (yes, you!) to consider taking that step. Whether you’ve been active with MTS for years or are just starting to find your place within this community, your voice and ideas are needed. This is an opportunity not just to shape the future of the Society, but to grow personally and professionally in ways that will stay with you long after your term ends. Nominations are open now through June 27th.  

Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me. In December, I will leave my role on the MTS Board with immense gratitude and with great hope for what comes next. 

Sincerely, 

Josh Kohut, PhD 
VP Education, MTS 

Dean of Research, Rutgers University