2025 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.
Mujeeb Abdulfatai
"It is a great privilege to be selected as this year’s recipient of the MTS John C. Bajus Scholarship. This recognition not only affirms my dedication to advancing marine science and technology but also empowers me to continue contributing meaningfully to ocean research and outreach. Receiving this scholarship reinforces my commitment to solving real-world ocean challenges and inspires me to further engage the next generation in marine science. Thank you for this meaningful contribution."
Bio: Mujeeb Abdulfatai, from Nigeria, is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Marine Science (Major: Physical Oceanography) at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM). His academic background is deeply rooted in marine science, beginning with a B.Tech. in Marine Science and Technology from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, followed by an M.Sc. in Physical Oceanography from the UNESCO-affiliated International Chair in Mathematical Physics and Applications, University of Abomey-Calavi (Benin) and the Université Toulouse III (France). He further broadened his expertise through a prestigious postgraduate training program in Observational Oceanography at the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) in Germany, supported by the NF-POGO Centre of Excellence. During this time, he participated in the NoSoAT Atlantic Ocean expedition aboard the RV Polarstern, gaining extensive hands-on experience in oceanographic instrumentation and data collection. He has also participated in multiple oceanographic cruises in the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean, where he deployed and recovered high-precision instruments such as moorings and current-pressure-equipped inverted echo sounders.
Mujeeb's current research at USM focuses on diagnosing internal tides and their energetics using global ocean simulations and historical mooring observations. As part of efforts to improve tidal signals in ocean models, he is currently investigating the impact of nudging model state variables toward observations, analyzing the effects on sea surface height and baroclinic signals using the U.S. Navy’s high-performance computing systems. His work contributes to ONR-funded projects exploring the lifecycle of internal wave energy across frequency bands.
Outside of academia, Mujeeb is deeply involved in science outreach and volunteer initiatives. He is a committed educator through the GenSea USM program, where he introduces high school students to physical oceanography through hands-on activities. He has also volunteered at community events such as STEM NOLA and the Pathways2Possibilities Gulf Coast Fair. Since 2021, he has served on the Early Career Scientists Committee of the International Association for the Physical Sciences of the Oceans.
Driven by a passion for advancing ocean science and engaging the next generation, Mujeeb continues to integrate rigorous scientific research with meaningful community impact.
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.
Isaac Wax
"Being a student member of MTS, has provided an exciting opportunity to learn about cutting edge marine science while engaging with how technology is used to meet unique technical challenges at the highest level. An MTS Scholarship will allow me to deeply explore this understanding and develop my strengths while contributing to new discoveries and innovations as I continue my studies toward an electrical engineering B.S. as a junior transfer student at a four year college in the Fall of 2025."
Bio: Isaac Wax is transferring from Cabrillo College to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to begin his third year of a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering. He plans to complete his undergraduate studies with the possibility of pursuing graduate school. His academic and professional interests include embedded systems, power electronics, and control systems, particularly for marine applications. He also has a strong interest in semiconductor physics. This summer he will work on coastal profiling floats as an intern at MBARI. Isaac is a core member of the Cabrillo Robotics Club, where he serves in a leadership role. He led the hardware development for Seahawk II, the ROV that won first place in the 2024 MATE ROV World Championship in the Explorer division. He is currently working on Laser Shark, an AUV being developed for the 2025 RoboSub competition. For more information, visit cabrillorobotics.org.
Charles H. Bussmann Undergraduate Scholarship
Open to MTS members who are college undergraduate students currently enrolled full-time in a marine-related field.
Teagan Sullivan
"It is inspiring to know that people believe in me and my goals– receiving this scholarship has increased my confidence and conviction in pursuing ocean engineering."
Bio: Teagan is an undergraduate studying Ocean Engineering at MIT and is interested in hydrodynamics, marine robotics, and vehicle design. She was introduced to ocean engineering as a student researcher at MIT Sea Grant, where she contributed to the development of Sea Perch II—an educational underwater robot that incorporates sensors and Arduino to achieve semi-autonomous driving and water quality testing capabilities.
Since January 2024, she has been a Mechanical Engineering Lead for MIT’s autonomous boat team, Arcturus, where she guides hull design, waterproofing, and system layout. She is working to integrate fluid dynamics theory with CFD simulations and tow tank testing to optimize hull stability and performance for future competitions.
A combination of thermodynamics, hydrodynamics, and fluid dynamics courses has deepened her understanding of marine technology. In her measurement and instrumentation class, she tested catamaran design in the MIT towing tank, which furthered her knowledge of physical modeling challenges. Her long-term goal is to improve predictive models and design methodologies for efficient, high-performance surface vehicles.
Kudzaishe Chitsenga
"Receiving the Charles H. Bussmann Undergraduate Scholarship fills me with profound gratitude. I'm absolutely thrilled. I have always believed that solutions for our oceans require both technical ingenuity and heartfelt dedication. This support empowers me to further innovate at the intersection of engineering and conservation. Thank you, MTS, for investing in my journey to make a meaningful impact."
Bio: Kudzaishe is an undergraduate Zimbabwean student at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, pursuing a B.Tech in Computer Science with a specialization in Software Engineering, where she combines her expertise in intelligent systems with a passion for marine conservation. A skilled developer in automation and machine learning, Kudzaishe has engineered ML models for underwater object detection, target locking systems, coral reef classification, and predictive maintenance of AUVs, enhancing both efficiency and safety in marine operations. Her research includes co-authoring research papers on coastal monitoring systems and developing AI-driven tools for aquaculture, such as a deep learning model to classify fish oocyte stages, optimizing sustainable farming practices.
Beyond technical work, she actively mentors peers in marine robotics applications, champions beach clean-up initiatives, and advocates for democratizing marine technology in under-served coastal communities. Kudzaishe aspires to pioneer autonomous swarm systems and digital twin ecosystems to revolutionize global conservation efforts. She credits the SRM MTS Student Chapter for fostering her growth and remains committed to paying forward their support through innovation.
Charles H. Bussmann Graduate Scholarship
Open to MTS members who are college graduate students currently enrolled full-time in a marine-related field.
Bianca Barrett
“Receiving this scholarship is a noteworthy step in my development as an emerging ocean technology professional. Given the significant role MTS plays in connecting professionals and disseminating information in this industry, it serves as a vote of confidence in my potential for which I am truly grateful. This opportunity reinforces my belief that hard work and dedication make a difference, motivating me further as I strive towards making meaningful contributions to the field of ocean technology and exploration.”
Bio: With a strong passion for marine exploration and sustainable ocean practices, my background includes ocean technology, construction science, and environmental experience. I hold a bachelor’s degree in construction science and management and will be graduating this year from the Applied Ocean Technology (Ocean Mapping) IBSC S-5 Cat A master’s program at the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland. Following my undergraduate studies, I gained valuable experience in the construction industry before transitioning to work with other organizations, such as one of Ontario’s largest land-focused conservancies. Motivated by the vital role the oceans play in climate regulation and environmental balance I decided to pursue further education and a career in ocean technology. My master’s studies have opened my eyes to the vast possibilities within the ocean technology sector and the critical need for sustainable solutions. Looking ahead, I am committed to continuous learning, inspiring others and contributing meaningfully to this dynamic field.
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.
Erin Menezes
"I am very grateful to receive the Dieter Family Scholarship that will support my trip to the OCEANS 2025 Great Lakes conference! It is an incredible opportunity for me to learn about all forms of ocean research and to connect with researchers and companies from all around the world."
Bio: My name is Erin Menezes, and I am currently pursuing a Master of Science at MIT in the Mechanical Engineering Department focusing on developing autonomy for an aquaculture robot that helps in oyster farming. I also hold a Bachelor of Science from MIT in Mechanical Engineering concentrating in controls, instrumentation, and robotics. As an undergraduate, I was a member of an autonomous surface vehicle competition team and conducted research at MIT Sea Grant on bio-inspired underwater sensors. I have also completed two internships focused on marine robotics where I have worked on both hardware and software for underwater vehicles. After I graduate, I would like to work to develop autonomous marine vehicles that support efforts for ocean conservation and sustainable ocean practices.
Katie Kohlman
“I am thrilled to receive this award — ocean technology has been my passion throughout my studies, and I’m very excited to attend OCEANS 2025 to further connect with and learn from the marine technology community.”
Bio: I am a PhD candidate at the University of Washington studying submesoscale sharp temperature fronts in the eastern tropical Pacific, with a focus on their air-sea interactions, upper ocean dynamics, and influence on larger-scale climate variability. My research utilizes data collected from uncrewed surface vehicles (i.e., Saildrones).
At the University of Washington, I also serve as Chief Scientist of the Student Seaglider Center — a student-led and -run lab that refurbishes, maintains, and pilots autonomous underwater gliders (i.e., Seagliders) in Puget Sound and the open ocean. I was recently awarded funding to launch a long-term timeseries project, giving students the opportunity to operate and maintain sustained observations in local waters.
Throughout my graduate studies, I’ve been fortunate to spend over three cumulative months at sea — invaluable experiences that have deepened my passion for ocean technology and the ocean itself.
Samyak Kumar
"Receiving the Dieter Family Scholarship is both an honor and a responsibility. It validates my dedication to the marine field and empowers me to continue pushing boundaries in ocean technology. I'm excited to learn, contribute, and connect with global leaders at the OCEANS 2025 Conference."
Bio: B. Samyak Kumar is an undergraduate student pursuing a B.Tech in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, India. With a deep fascination for the marine world and its engineering marvels, he is passionate about underwater robotics and autonomous marine systems.
Samyak is currently a core member of Team Amogh, where he works hands-on with Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), focusing on their development, control, and mission design. As the Joint Secretary of the Marine Technology Society (MTS) IIT Madras Student Section, he plays a leading role in driving innovation and collaboration within the student ocean-tech community. Under his leadership, the team recently conceptualized, designed, and built a fully functional and robust AUV in just under a week — an extraordinary achievement for an in-house competition conducted during the society’s flagship event, Techsym 2025.
With a strong blend of technical skill, initiative, and collaborative spirit, Samyak is committed to solving real-world ocean engineering challenges and bringing together students, researchers, and professionals to push the frontiers of marine technology.
Rising College Scholarship
A new scholarship open to high school senior-level applicants, created this year to meet the increased number of impressive applicants preparing to begin their undergraduate studies.
Emmitt Esselstrom
"This scholarship helps me keep learning and building in the field I love – robotics and ROVs. It brings me one step closer to turning my passion into a career and making a real impact through technology."
Bio: Emmitt Esselstrom has participated in FIRST Tech Challenge, MATE ROV, and personal robotics projects, gaining hands-on experience in building and programming robots. He has taken on leadership roles within robotics teams and developed a strong interest in the design and operation of ROVs. Emmitt is passionate about using these skills to solve real-world problems and contribute to future innovation in the field and plans to continue studying robotics and marine technology in college.
Paul Karcsay
"This scholarship is an incredible gift. I will honor your generosity through hard work and dedication. Thank you to the committee for your support."
Bio: I'm Paul Karcsay, a graduating senior from San Dieguito Academy in Encinitas. My life has been deeply connected to the ocean through fishing, surfing, and diving. Alongside this, I've always enjoyed working with my hands—whether it's on cars or bikes, I knew I needed a career that involved building and fixing. I'm excited to pursue a Marine Engineering degree, as it perfectly aligns my passion for the marine environment with my hands-on interests.
MTS ROV Committee Scholarship
The MTS ROV Scholarship has historically awarded grants to MTS Student members interested in ROVs or work that promotes the use of ROVs. Since 1994, over $450,000 has been awarded to over 100 deserving students. In addition to scholarships, the ROV Committee also supports the MATE ROV Competition each year with a financial contribution to help continue their excellent work promoting STEM Education and ROVs.
Daniel Heil
"This scholarship means the world to me. It’s not just recognition of where I’ve been – it’s a vote of confidence in where I’m going. I’m deeply grateful to be supported in this mission to merge deep-sea exploration with next-generation technology."
Bio: Daniel Heil is a former professional mariner with over a decade of experience working aboard tugboats, expedition vessels, and cargo craft across the globe. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience from the University of Colorado at Boulder and is currently studying at Northwestern Michigan College, where he has consistently made the Dean’s List while pursuing training in remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operations and marine technology. Daniel is passionate about the future of ocean exploration and believes that robotics and automation will play a central role in preserving and expanding humanity’s relationship with the sea. With a deep respect for traditional seamanship and a forward-looking approach to innovation, he is committed to becoming an expert ROV pilot and technical specialist.
Vanessa Huerta
“I’m sincerely honored to be chosen as a recipient of the MTS ROV Committee Scholarship. Receiving this scholarship serves as powerful encouragement and validation of the work I’ve dedicated to marine robotics and electrical engineering. As a first-generation Latina and a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, this support affirms that my hard work and contributions belong in the marine industry. It motivates me to continue pursuing my education, growing as an engineer, and creating technology that can make a difference in our world."
Bio: My name is Vanessa Huerta, I am an incoming Electrical Engineering student at the University of Illinois at Chicago and a proud first-generation Latina pursuing a future in marine technology and robotics. I recently earned my Associate in Engineering Science from William Rainey Harper College, where I strengthened my academic foundation in math and physics. However, the experiences that truly shaped me began in high school, where I led my school’s MATE Underwater Robotics Team. Those years of building, testing, and refining ROVs were not only technically formative but deeply personal. They taught me what it means to design with purpose, lead with determination, and find confidence in my abilities even when the odds were against me.
Through MATE, I discovered how powerful ROVs can be when used for real-world impact, whether it's restoring coral reefs, removing marine debris, or deploying environmental sensors. I developed a strong appreciation for marine instrumentation and oceanographic research, and those competitions helped me realize that electrical engineering will be my way of contributing to the protection and understanding of our oceans. That passion followed me into industry, where I interned at Oceaneering and worked on systems supporting submersible thrusters. I was recently invited back to continue my work as an Electrical Engineering intern, where I’m gaining valuable experience in collaborative, real-world engineering environments.
Each step of this journey has been meaningful, not just for what I’ve learned, but for what I’ve proven to myself: that with persistence, curiosity, and heart, I can succeed in spaces where people like me are often underrepresented. These accomplishments have shaped me into a passionate, capable engineer, and I carry them forward with pride as I continue working toward a future in marine instrumentation and autonomous systems.
Shamus Mayo
"It is an honour and a thrill to receive this generous scholarship. The generosity of the Marine Technology Society ROV Committee will allow me to focus on my last year’s studies without the stress and anxiety of combined studies and work. I am very grateful and humbled. Thank you."
Bio: Hello, I am Shamus Mayo, finishing my second year of a three-year ROV/UV program at the Marine Institute (Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador). I have been interested in mechanics and solving problems from a very early age. After graduating with Honors from Holy Trinity High School, I was accepted into the Engineering Program at Memorial University, but soon felt that it was just not the path for me. I took a break from school and while working I explored my options and saved up to go back to school. I later enrolled and completed the Graphic Design program at the College of the North Atlantic, and gained enriching and creative experiences. A couple of years ago, I received a tour of the ROV facility and immediately I realized I found the path I needed to take and that was right for me. During the last two years I have gained knowledge and experiences that will prepare me for an exciting and fulfilling ROV technician career when I complete my final year.
