Oregon Section Elects New Leadership

The MTS Oregon Section recently conducted its elections for officer positions, and we are delighted to announce the new leadership team, whose terms will run through June 30, 2028. Stay tuned for information about upcoming Section events this Fall!

Chair: Sara Swett - Oregon State University/Oregon Sea Grant

Sara Swett is an Assistant Professor of Practice at Oregon State University and an Oregon Sea Grant Extension Specialist working at the intersection of ocean renewable energy and coastal communities. Her work focuses on building collaborative, science-informed pathways for offshore wind and other ocean technologies by engaging coastal residents, Tribal communities, industry partners, and resource managers. With a background in marine policy, stakeholder engagement, and applied research, Sara develops and leads programs that support informed decision-making and strengthen connections between science, technology, and community priorities. She has extensive experience convening diverse groups, facilitating complex conversations, and translating technical information into accessible, actionable insights. Sara is an active member of the Marine Technology Society and is committed to advancing the Oregon Section as a hub for innovation, professional development, and cross-sector collaboration. As Chairperson, she aims to expand member engagement, elevate regional leadership in marine technology, and strengthen connections between industry, academia, and coastal communities.

Vice Chair: Tracy Crews- Oregon Sea Grant

Tracy Crews is Associate Director of Education for Oregon Sea Grant where she has led youth, educator, and public programs at Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center for the past 18 years. She also oversees the MATE Oregon Regional ROV program and the Oregon Coast STEM Hub which supports Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics programs for teachers and students in communities along the entire Oregon Coast. Ms. Crews leads the STEM at Sea program which provides research experiences for students aboard OSU research vessels, and currently serves as the Secretary and Acting Chair for the Oregon Section of the Marine Technology Society. She holds a BS in Marine Biology from Texas A&M University and an MS in Marine Science from the College of William and Mary (Virginia Institute of Marine Science). Prior to her employment with Oregon Sea Grant, Tracy was employed as a fisheries biologist with the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, as an award-winning high school science teacher, and as Science Program Director for Newfound Harbor Marine Institute and SeaCamp Association in the Florida Keys.

Secretary/Treasurer: Genevieve Coblentz-Strong - Oregon State University

Genevieve Coblentz-Strong is a development engineer in Oregon State University's Innovation Lab at Hatfield Marine Science Center. She holds two Bachelor of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Oceanography from OSU. Her work focuses on advancing ocean research through practical engineering solutions, hands-on fabrication, and collaborative field science. In her role at the Innovation Lab, Genevieve designs and develops marine technologies in partnership with researchers, students, and community organizations. Her experience also includes nearly four months of at-sea research aboard vessels including the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy, where she conducted Arctic Ocean sampling operations and data analysis alongside leading polar scientists. An active member of the Marine Technology Society, Genevieve holds MTS microcredentials in Remotely Operated Vehicles and Sonar and is developing a marine prototyping microcredential workshop for future MTS participants. She brings strong organizational, communication, and technical documentation skills, along with experience in nonprofit governance as Co-founder and Board Secretary of Friends of Otter Rock Marine Reserve. Genevieve is passionate about strengthening connections between engineers, scientists, and students and looks forward to supporting the Oregon Section of MTS through effective administration and community engagement.