We are thrilled to announce the recipients of our 2026 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. 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 2026 MTS Award Recipients below.
- MTS Special Commendation & Award - Dr. R. Venkatesan
- MTS Fellow - Chris Scholin
- Walter Munk Scholar Award & Commemorative Lecture - Caroline Gini, Ph.D.
- MTS Distinguished Achievement Award - Jin Wang, Ph.D.
- John P. Craven Mentor Award - Sasha Seroy
- Ocean News & Technology Early Career Ocean Professional Award - John Lutchko
- Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration - Dr. Jyotika I. Virmani
MTS Special Commendation & Award
The MTS Special Commendation & Award is presented to an individual, group, or organization in recognition of outstanding accomplishments leading to significant advances in marine affairs and/or fulfilling the objectives and missions of MTS.
Recipient – Dr. R. Venkatesan: Dr. R. Venkatesan has contributed to ocean science, maritime technology, and policy for over 44 years, bringing together rare experience across academia, industry, research, and advisory roles. He worked at the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) and the National Institute of Oceanography, premier ocean research institutions in India. His expertise has supported international cooperation as Consultant to UNESCO‑IOC Paris and Regional Coordinator for the UNEP Regional Seas Programme. Nominated by the Government of India, he undertook responsibilities in UN bodies such as UNESCO‑IOC and the World Meteorological Organization for more than twelve years, serving as Chair, Vice Chair, Executive Member, and Regional Association Chair. He has travelled to over 40 countries, leading delegations to United Nations meetings and strengthening collaborations with the USA, Norway, Japan, and Germany.
His contributions emphasize maritime technology, including ocean observation systems, antifouling research, Arctic observatories, and tsunami buoy development. He has published over 200 research articles, authored four books, and served on editorial boards of international journals/ Guest editor. Ten technologies have been transferred to industry, and six patents awarded. He has delivered more than 400 invited lectures worldwide. He was instrumental in creating a unique student AUV competition, which inspired start‑ups and nurtured young entrepreneurs. He has also contributed to establishing Centres of Excellence in ocean science across educational institutions and has played advisory roles in several government committees. For more than twelve years, he has successfully taught courses on maritime law, climate change, and oceans.
Dr. Venkatesan is the Founder Chair of the Marine Technology Society (MTS) India Section, where he established eleven student sections, enabled more than twenty‑five MTS student scholarships, and initiated the Annual MTS Nanda Student Innovation Awards. His biggest role has been mentoring students. He is a Senior Fulbright Fellow, Chartered Marine Technologist, and MTS Fellow, with recognition from the United Nations and several international societies. He is also associated with leading technical communities including IEEE, IEI, NACE/AMPP, IMS, and WAPS and various international working groups ITP, OBPS, OASIS, DOOS, AOT. FV-ON to mention a few.
MTS Fellow
Designation as a Marine Technology Society Fellow is one of the highest industry accolades. 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 in their professional fields.
Recipient – Chris Scholin: Chris Scholin began his professional career at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) in 1992 after completing a Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology-Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Joint Program, a master’s degree in Molecular Biology and Immunology from Duke University, and a bachelor’s degree in Biology from University of California, Santa Barbara. He served as the President and CEO of MBARI from 2009-2025 and currently works as a Senior Scientist. His research program focuses on the development of deployable sensors for detecting water-borne microorganisms and environmental DNA (eDNA) using molecular probe technology (see ESP). In 2021, Chris was awarded the Lockheed Martin Award for Ocean Science and Engineering from the Marine Technology Society (MTS). His current interests center on the use of small fleets of uncrewed systems equipped with a variety of sensing and sampling payloads to observe dynamic ocean ecosystem processes. Chris also serves as co-chair of the MTS eDNA Committee.
Walter Munk Scholar Award & Commemorative Lecture
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. The award recipient is invited to deliver a virtual commemorative lecture on their contributions later this year.
Recipient – Dr. Caroline Gini: Dr. Caroline Gini obtained a Ph.D. in Marine Geology and Underwater Acoustics in 2025 from Memorial University of Newfoundland (Canada) and is currently a Seafloor Exploration Geologist with Wetstone. She is an expert on seafloor exploration and hydrothermal vents using a suite of deep-sea underwater vehicles and both acoustic and optical technologies. She has participated in twelve international research cruises in the Arctic, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans, leading seafloor exploration operations using remotely-operated vehicles, autonomous underwater vehicles, and diving to 4800 m depth in the Nautile human-occupied vehicle.
She holds a B.Sc. in Geology from the Université de Lausanne (Switzerland, 2015) and a M.Sc. in Geology at the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (France, 2017). During her PhD, she evaluated the use of a new high-resolution sonar technology as a new tool for seafloor mapping and imaging: the interferometric synthetic aperture sonar (InSAS). Through collaborations with industry partners and as a Mitacs Accelerate Fellow, she tested InSAS and other sonars at mid-ocean ridges and provided strategies for their effective application to improve knowledge on deep-sea environments, such as those hosting hydrothermal vents.
Passionate about deep-ocean exploration, she actively shares her experience and knowledge with wider audiences through outreach events, appearing in documentaries, and university lectures.
MTS Distinguished Achievement Award
The MTS 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 – Jin Wang, Ph.D.: Professor Jin Wang is Professor of Marine Technology at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), UK and Director of the Liverpool Logistics, Offshore and Marine (LOOM) Research Institute, which he has led since 2002. He served as Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at LJMU from 2015 to 2025, providing strategic leadership for research and knowledge exchange across a large and diverse academic community.
With an academic background in marine engineering and technology, Professor Wang has built an internationally recognised career spanning maritime safety, risk and reliability, sustainable maritime technologies, intelligent shipping, offshore engineering, maritime logistics and port systems. His research has contributed to the development of risk-based decision-making approaches and has influenced maritime regulatory frameworks, public policy and industrial practice.
Professor Wang has authored or co-authored more than 600 technical publications and has secured substantial competitive external research funding as a principal or co-investigator. He has supervised more than 100 doctoral and postdoctoral researchers and has played a significant role in international research collaboration, professional organisations, research assessment and academic leadership.
He is a Fellow of IMarEST, RINA and the UK Safety and Reliability Society, as well as a Chartered Engineer. He is an elected Fellow of three European academies, including the European Academy of Sciences. His major honours include the 2017 RINA–Lloyd’s Register Maritime Safety Award for Lifetime Achievement, the 2018 IMechE Award for Risk Reduction in Mechanical Engineering, and the 2026 IMarEST Outstanding Contribution Award, recognising his sustained contributions to marine safety, sustainability, education and international development.
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 – Sasha Seroy: Dr. Sasha Seroy is an Assistant Teaching Professor at the University of Washington’s School of Oceanography in Seattle, WA. She leads the UW Ocean Technology Program where she teaches courses on ocean instrumentation, oversees student research initiatives, and provides hands-on opportunities for students to design, build, and use their own ocean observing tools. She is a mentor for the Student Seaglider Center, a student-run lab where students collaborate to conduct oceanographic research with gliders. She is also the faculty advisor for the UW MTS Student Section and supports student career development by leading workshops and facilitating section activities.
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 – John Lutchko: John Lutchko is the Director of the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute (GLWSI) at Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) in Traverse City, Michigan. An NMC alumnus, John has more than a decade of experience in marine technology education, hydrographic surveying, underwater acoustics, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and research vessel operations.
In his role at GLWSI, John oversees academic programs, workforce and professional training, industry partnerships, applied research, and marine operations. This includes NMC’s two-year Associate of Applied Science and four-year Bachelor of Science degrees in Marine Technology, which prepare students for careers in the marine technology industry. He also serves as captain of NMC’s research vessel, the R/V Northwestern, and teaches marine technology courses with a focus on sonar and ROV field operations.
John works closely with industry, government agencies, and academic partners to expand hands-on learning, applied research, and workforce development opportunities. His work emphasizes connecting education with real-world operations and ensuring students gain experience with the technologies and practices used throughout the industry. Through these efforts, he helps position GLWSI as a regional and national resource for marine technology education while supporting the skilled workforce needed for the Blue Economy in the Great Lakes and beyond.
John holds a B.S. in Freshwater Science and Sustainability from Western Michigan University and an M.S. in Integrated Geospatial Technology from Michigan Technological University. He also holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100-Ton Master credential.
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 – Dr. Jyotika I. Virmani: Dr. Jyotika Virmani has spent her career pushing the boundaries of how we explore and understand our Ocean. She is the Executive Director of the Schmidt Ocean Institute, a philanthropic organization accelerating research by providing global scientists free access to the state-of-the-art research vessel Falkor (too) and cutting-edge marine technology in exchange for open-source sharing of Ocean data.
Before this, Jyotika was Executive Director of Planet & Environment at XPRIZE overseeing global competitions that inspired breakthrough technologies in marine sensors, seafloor mapping, and biodiversity. She sits on the MBARI Board of Directors and is a Plymouth Marine Laboratory Trustee. She also Co-Chairs the UN Ocean Decade Technology & Innovation Working Group and serves on the National Academies Ocean Studies Board and the National Geographic Society’s Committee for Research & Exploration. She is a Fellow of The Royal Meteorological Society, The Explorers Club, and the Marine Technology Society. Marine Technology Reporter Top 100 List ranked her amongst their top 5 Global Ocean Influencers in their Top 100 List in 2020, featuring her again on the list in 2023. In 2024, Forbes recognized her in their 50-over-50 list.
She has a Ph.D. in Physical Oceanography from the College of Marine Science, University of South Florida and, as a Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholar, she earned a M.S. in Atmospheric Science from SUNY at Stony Brook. She also has a B.Sc. in Physics from Imperial College London and is an Associate of the Royal College of Science.
Nominations for next year’s awards will be open in the beginning of 2027. For details regarding eligibility and nomination instructions, visit mtsociety.org/awards-and-honors.
MEDIA CONTACT
Chelsea BladowDirector of Communications | Marine Technology Society
[email protected] | (202) 827-7172 | mtsociety.org
