OCEAN NEWS & TECHNOLOGY EARLY CAREER OCEAN PROFESSIONAL AWARD

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.