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 Commendation may include an outstanding individual, Section, Committee, and Student Section contributions to the Society. 

2024 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. 

PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS OF THE MTS SPECIAL COMMENDATION AND AWARD

• 2023: Robert Heitsenrether
• 2023: Dr. Swagata Sarkar
• 2021: Nanda Kumar
• 2010: Marine Advanced Technology Education Center
• 2009: Stephen R. Hammond, Ph.D 
• 2008: The International SeaKeepers Society
• 2006: Charles A. Richards
• 2005: William Friedl
• 2004: Dan Walker
• 2003: Elizabeth Corbin
• 2002: Barry Stamey
• 2002: The Naval Pacific Meteorology and Oceanography Command Center/Joint Typhoon Warning Center
• 2001: Gregory Stone
• 1995: Maggie Linskey-Merrill
• 1994: William S. Busch
• 1993: Don L. Durhum
• 1992: Don Walsh
• 1991: Martin J. Finerty, Jr.
• 1990: RAdm. James E. Koehr
• 1988: Charles H. Bussman
• 1987: RAdm. J. Bradford Mooney, Jr. 
• 1986: Richard Shamp
• 1985: Robert L. Wernli
• 1984: Capt. Donald R. Wells
• 1983: Larry Booda
• 1982: NRC, Marine Board
• 1981: Robert Frosch
• 1980: Charles D. Matthews
• 1979: RAdm. J. Edward Snyder, Jr. 
• 1978: Sen. Claiborne Pell
• 1977: Robert M. White
• 1976: David S. Potter
• 1975: National Pollution Strike Force, US Coast Guard
• 1974: NUC-CURV 111 Team, NUC
• 1973: Sen. Ernest F. Hollings
• 1972: Dr. & Mrs. F.G. Walton Smith
• 1970: NSF/Scripps Inst./Global Marine
• 1969: Julius Stratton
• 1968: Glenn A. Flittner
• 1968: Capt. Paul N. Wolff
• 1967: Richard B. Kershner
• 1966: National Research Laboratory Team directed by C.L. Buchanan