Meet the 2024 MTS Awardees
We are thrilled to announce the recipients of our 2024 MTS Awards! Each year, we celebrate the outstanding accomplishments and dedication of the marine technology community. This year's awardees represent a diverse range of expertise and serve as inspiring examples of excellence across various areas, from technological innovation to volunteerism and mentorship. We are also proud to recognize a company that has made an extraordinary contribution to advancing marine technology. Our awardees exemplify a steadfast commitment to tackling challenges that have a lasting and meaningful impact on our interconnected global community.
See the full list of 2024 MTS Award Recipients below.
- MTS Special Commendation Award - Dr. Wayne Sternberger
- MTS Fellow - Dr. Oscar Schofield
- MTS Fellow - Dr. Jyotika Virmani
- MTS Fellow - Steve Hall
- Walter Munk Scholar Award - Joe Gradone
- Compass Distinguished Achievement Award - Jennifer Wozencraft
- Compass Organizational Excellence Award - Seatrec, Inc.
- John P. Craven Mentor Award - Laurie A. Jugan
- Ocean News & Technology Early Career Ocean Professional Award - Megan Cook
- Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration - Martin "Marty" Klein
MTS Special Commendation Award
The MTS Special Commendation is presented to an individual or organization in recognition of outstanding accomplishments leading to significant advances in marine affairs and/or fulfilling the objectives and missions of the Marine Technology Society. Special MTS Commendations may include an outstanding individual, section, committee, and student section contributions to the Society.
Recipient – Dr. Wayne Sternberger: Wayne is a systems engineer with a full life-cycle approach to oceanographic and biomedical sensor systems. After earning his Ph.D. in Ocean Engineering from the University of Rhode Island, Wayne’s expertise led him to John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, where he worked on projects for the Department of Defense, NASA, and the National Space Biomedical Research Institute, among others. Even after retirement, Wayne continues to innovate, co-founding BLOCKsynop, Inc., a company commercializing a patient monitor he co-invented. He’s also a dedicated mentor, volunteering with the National Ocean Sciences Bowl and the Washington Academy of Sciences, inspiring the next generation of engineers.
MTS Fellow
Designation as a Marine Technology Society Fellow is one of the highest accolades a member can achieve. Since 1975, this title has been awarded to MTS members who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of the Society’s objectives and who have distinguished accomplishments and experience in their professional fields.
Recipient – Dr. Oscar Schofield: Oscar is a visionary whose work has transformed ocean observation. With a foundation in biology and ocean optics, Oscar’s career at Rutgers University led to the creation of the Coastal Ocean Observation Lab, which integrates satellites, radar, and autonomous underwater vehicles to study ocean ecosystems. His innovative use of underwater glider technology has opened new frontiers in marine research, and his dedication to integrating real-time data into education has reshaped how we teach marine science.
Recipient – Dr. Jyotika Virmani: Jyotika is a true trailblazer in the marine technology and environmental sectors. As the first Executive Director of the Schmidt Ocean Institute, she has driven innovation in ocean exploration and technology. Previously, she served as the Executive Director of Planet & Environment at XPRIZE, where she oversaw global competitions that advanced technology in ocean mapping, underwater tracking, and biodiversity assessments. Recognized on the Forbes’ 50 Over 50 Innovators List in 2024, she is also a two-time honoree on the Marine Technology Reporter’s Top 100 List. Jyotika’s academic background includes a Ph.D. in Physical Oceanography from the University of South Florida and an M.S. in Atmospheric Science from SUNY at Stony Brook, earned as a Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholar.
Recipient – Steve Hall: Steve is a passionate advocate for ocean policy and technology. With a career spanning roles from project management to international ocean policy leadership, Steve has been instrumental in initiatives such as the UN Decade of Ocean Science and the Seabed 2030 project. His work has bridged the gap between science and policy, ensuring that our understanding of the oceans translates into meaningful action.
Walter Munk Scholar Award
The Walter Munk Scholar Award is jointly sponsored by the Walter Munk Foundation for the Oceans (WMFO) and the Marine Technology Society (MTS). The award is presented to a scholar currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or postdoctoral program and recognizes outstanding contributions in areas fostered by the sponsoring organizations. Established in 2019, the Award honors Walter Munk’s legacy of daring exploration and discovery through ocean scientific and technology research, ocean education, or ocean conservation.
Recipient – Joe Gradone: Joe Gradone, a Ph.D. candidate at Rutgers University’s Center for Ocean Observing Leadership, has made significant contributions to physical oceanography, focusing on tropical Atlantic circulation and water mass transport. With a background in Geology (B.S.) and Oceanography (M.S.), Joe has also advanced autonomous underwater vehicle technology through R&D, customer training, and piloting at Teledyne Webb Research. He actively serves the marine community as a member of the U.S. Underwater Glider User Group Steering Committee and chair of the MTS New Jersey Student Section.
Compass Distinguished Achievement Award
The Compass Distinguished Achievement Award is presented to any individual who has sustained a career marked by achievements that have had significant impact on the fields of marine science and technology.
Recipient – Jennifer Wozencraft: Jennifer Wozencraft, a Research Physical Scientist at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory, has made significant contributions to marine science and technology. As Director of the Joint Airborne Lidar Bathymetry Technical Center of Expertise (JALBTCX), she leads advancements in coastal mapping technologies and manages the USACE National Coastal Mapping Program. Her work supports critical areas such as regional sediment management navigation, and environmental restoration.
Compass Organizational Excellence Award
The Compass Organizational Excellence Award is presented to a company, government agency, program, or non-profit organization for outstanding contributions to the advancement of marine science and technology.
Recipient – Seatrec, Inc.: Seatrec, Inc. has made groundbreaking contributions to marine science and technology. Their recently developed patented technology harvests energy from ocean temperature differences to power autonomous profiling floats with unlimited endurance. This innovation is revolutionizing ocean data collection, making it feasible to map the global seafloor within this decade. Seatrec’s technology also opens new possibilities for soundscape monitoring and improving hurricane predictions, addressing critical challenges in ocean science.
John P. Craven Mentor Award
The John P. Craven Mentor Award is presented to any established MTS Mentor invoking the long and impactful career of John Pina Craven, this award is conferred upon an MTS member who has demonstrated outstanding and sustained service to the field of marine technology through mentorship.
Recipient: Laurie A. Jugan: Laurie Jugan, a life member of MTS, has played a pivotal role in advancing marine technology. As Deputy Chair of the upcoming Oceans in Action Workshop 2025 and former Chair of the OCEANS 2023 Conference, she has been a leader in promoting the Blue Economy. Laurie has also served as Board Chair of the INFINITY Science Center, fostering ocean and space science education. With over 25 years of experience, including her work as an independent consultant and oceanographer, Laurie has mentored countless professionals in the field.
Ocean News & Technology Early Career Ocean Professional Award
The Ocean News & Technology Early Career Ocean Professional Award is presented to an individual within 10 years of their last degree or designation, who has shown leadership in MTS, and who works in a professional capacity in management, engineering or research and development in a marine technology field.
Recipient – Megan Cook: Megan Cook is a true leader who has made impactful contributions to the marine technology field. As the Director of Education and Outreach for Ocean Exploration Trust and E/V Nautilus, Megan leads initiatives that connect millions to ocean exploration through STEM education, media, and global campaigns. She has participated in over 130 research cruises and has been instrumental in co-designing expeditions with Indigenous communities. Megan’s dedication to inclusivity in ocean exploration and her research on deep-sea mining underscore her commitment to advancing marine science.
Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration
Awarded jointly by the Marine Technology Society and the Society for Underwater Technology (SUT), this award recognizes outstanding, sustained, international contribution to the development, application, and propagation of marine technology toward the advancement of ocean exploration.
Recipient – Martin “Marty” Klein: Marty Klein is a legendary figure in underwater technology, often hailed as the “father of side-scan sonar.” His pioneering innovations have had a profound impact on oceanographic surveys and underwater exploration, revolutionizing the way we explore the depths of our oceans. Introduced into ocean exploration in 1961 by MIT Professor Harold “Doc” Edgerton and key figures like Jacques Cousteau, Marty launched the first commercial side-scan sonar sytem in 1967, paving the way for an entire industry. His legacy includes not only technological advancements but also his mentorship and education efforts, particularly through MTS’s MATE ROV Competition, and his work with organizations like the Ocean Discovery League to develop accessible deep-sea exploration technologies. His impact is further solidified by numerous publications, patents, and recognition from prestigious institutions like the Explorers Club and the National Academy of Engineering.
“Marine technology continues to shape our world in profound ways, and this year’s award recipients have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of ocean sciences and technology. Their innovation and dedication inspire the entire marine technology community. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and look forward to their continued impact on the future of our oceans,” said Justin Manley, President of MTS.
Nominations for next year’s awards will be open in the beginning of 2025. For details regarding eligibility and nomination instructions, visit mtsociety.org/awards-and-honors.
MEDIA CONTACTChelsea Bladow
Communications Manager | Marine Technology Society
[email protected] | (202) 827-7172 | mtsociety.org