An interdisciplinary team of researchers from Old Dominion University (ODU) introduced the school of Supply Chain, Logistics, and Maritime Operations (SSCLMO) at the Oceans 2024 Conference in Nova Scotia. This event marked a significant occasion to underscore ODU’s designation as a Maritime Administration Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education, in collaboration with the Maritime Institute. As a Research 1 University recognized by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, ODU emphasized its commitment to maritime research and education.
The conference’s theme, “Aligning Diverse Communities for Tomorrow’s Ocean,” highlighted an urgent need for collaboration in the ocean science, engineering, and technology sectors. ODU’s associate vice president for maritime initiatives, Elspeth McMahon, remarked that the conference served as an excellent platform to demonstrate the University’s achievements in maritime research, outreach, and partnerships with industry.
During the conference, McMahon, along with political science and geography professor Tom Allen and Jerry Cronin, the executive director of the Open Seas Technology Innovation Hub, conducted a tutorial on “The Role of Outreach and Education in Achieving the Full Potential of Ocean Technologies.” This session addressed evolving societal, economic, technological, and environmental needs in ocean education. They presented ODU’s extensive outreach initiatives, such as internships, academic-industry partnerships, and specialized seminars. They also discussed advancing ocean geospatial education, emphasizing the application of geospatial technology in coastal and marine environments.
Cong Wei, an assistant professor in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) Department, showcased a project aimed at enhancing ocean current measurement using a network of floats. This innovative method aims to improve the accuracy of current velocity estimates without relying on sophisticated sensors. In collaboration with associate professor Krishnanand Kaipa and Alexander Bochdansky from the Department of Oceanography and Earth Sciences, Wei also developed a prototype tether profiler for researching methane seeps in deep water.
Kaipa, the principal investigator, presented another project focusing on designing a robotic quadrotor-float for ocean exploration tasks. This initiative started in 2021 and involved undergraduate students who developed and tested underwater vessels. The current prototype aims to detect methane seeps at a significantly reduced cost compared to traditional methods, which can reach $200,000 per day. Bochdansky explained the implications of this development and outlined next steps for further testing.
In summary, ODU’s presentations at the Oceans 2024 Conference showcased significant advancements in maritime research, education, and technology, positioning the institution as a leader in addressing contemporary challenges in the blue economy and enhancing opportunities in ocean-related fields.
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