MTS Summer Workshops Empower the Next Generation of Marine Tech Talent

Every summer, the Marine Technology Society (MTS) partners with leading institutions to run immersive, hands-on training programs that get students out of the classroom and into the field. In 2025, the tradition continues—with both the Rutgers University Glider Technology Workshop and the Northwestern Michigan College ROV and Sonar Workshop at full capacity. 

These workshops aren't just about learning—they're about launching careers. 

Glider Tech Takes Off in New Jersey

From June 9-13, students from across the country—and even across the world—gather at Rutgers University for the annual Glider Technology Workshop. Over five action-packed days in New Brunswick, participants were introduced to underwater gliders, learning how to ballast, pilot, and deploy these incredible data-collection tools. 

Meet a few of this year's attendees:

• Mason Diaz - Rutgers University
• William Peltier - Great Lakes University
• Chris Born - UNC Wilmington
• Morgann Gordon - EPA / University of Minnesota Duluth
• Daniel Fulmer - Northwestern Michigan College
• Joe Rauch - Climate Foundation (Philippines)
• Richard Robinson - Stockton University

Thanks to funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF OCE-2308556), five of these students received scholarships through the MTS Microcredentials initiative. As part of the experience, they earned Foundational Glider Hardware and Foundational Glider Software (Piloting) microcredentials—codifying their newly acquired skills for future opportunities. 

Sonar + ROV Skills Dive Deep in Michigan

From June 16-20, the action shifted to Traverse City, where the ROV and Sonar Workshop offered students hands-on time using ROVs, sonars, and other marine systems aboard research vessels. This immersive training drew participants from a diverse range of institutions:

• Cole Sheeley - University of the Virgin Islands
• Joshua Soll - University of the Virgin Islands
• Phoebe Cutter - Worcester Polytechnic Institute
• Svetlana Babaeva - Santa Monica College
• Oluwatomisona Isijola - University of Southern Mississippi
• Valentina Perez-Garcia - Universidad Ana G. Méndez (Puerto Rico)
• Kudzaishe Chitsenga - SRM Institute of Science and Technology 

Many participants received MTS Microcredentials in Foundational ROV and Foundational Sonar, helping to launch their careers in marine tech. Notably, several had also attended last year's Glider Workshop, signaling a growing commitment to multi-tech fluency in this fast-evolving field. 

Looking Ahead: Float Tech on the Horizon

The summer's not over yet! The next stop in the MTS Summer Workshop series is the University of Washington MATE Floats! Workshop, taking place this August. Stay tuned as students dive into global ocean biogeochemistry using cutting-edge float technology.

Why It Matters

These workshops are more than summer learning experiences—they're building blocks for a stronger, more skilled ocean workforce. With microcredentials now being earned and shared at home institutions, the ripple effect is real. Participants are becoming advocates, educators, and changemakers. 

Interested in future opportunities?

The MTS Microcredentials program is expanding. For more information, contact Liesl Hotaling at [email protected].