2025-2026 Scholarship Award Ceremony
2025
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SUT-US is proud to unveil the awardees of the 2025–2026 SUT Scholarships. We extend our warmest congratulations to each of the six exceptional students honored with this prestigious award. Your dedication, hard work, and unwavering passion for Underwater Technology have set you apart and demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence. As you begin this exciting chapter, know that the SUT community stands firmly behind you with support and encouragement. Your achievements inspire us all, and we look forward to the impact you will make in the field of Underwater Technology and beyond. Recipients will be officially recognized during the online Scholarship Awards Ceremony on September 12th at 5:30 PM U.S. Central Time. If you would like to attend the event, please confirm your attendance by emailing mdiaz@sut-us.org to receive an event link. |
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Imo Abasiekong Imo Abasiekong is a graduate researcher in Ocean Engineering at the University of New Hampshire, specializing in underwater mapping technologies. His current research explores advanced visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (vSLAM) and Structure from Motion (SfM) techniques for bathymetric data acquisition and underwater reconnaissance. With professional experience in coastal/offshore surveying and a Category-A Hydrographer training in progress, he integrates hydro-spatial science and computer vision to enhance subsea exploration. A member of the Society for Underwater Technology, Imo is passionate about leveraging underwater technology for safer navigation, marine infrastructure, and sustainable ocean development. |
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Elias Adediran
Elias Adediran is a doctoral researcher in Ocean Engineering at the University of New Hampshire’s Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping – Joint Hydrographic Center. His research focuses on improving digital bathymetric models by characterizing and estimating interpolation uncertainties, supporting the NOAA National Bathymetric Source (NBS) program and related databases to enhance safe navigation, strengthen coastal resilience, and advance the blue economy.
He holds a Master’s in Ocean Engineering: Ocean Mapping and graduate certificates in Ocean Mapping and Geospatial Science from UNH. Before that, he earned a first-class Bachelor of Science in Surveying and Geoinformatics from the University of Lagos and a National Diploma with distinction from Yaba College of Technology, Nigeria. Elias is a Category-A Hydrographer who has participated in and contributed to numerous scientific expeditions and offshore surveys across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, utilizing cutting-edge technologies.
Passionate about advancing ocean mapping and exploration through innovative research, teaching, and outreach, Elias has held multiple leadership positions, authored peer-reviewed publications, and currently serves as an ocean mapping instructor. In his leisure time, he revels in sports, spends time with his family, memorizing and reciting the Qur'an in various styles, and mastering the art of Arabic poetry.
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Toluwani Akande
He is a graduate student pursuing an MSc in Hydrographic Science at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he has earned the FIG/IHO/ICA Category A certification. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Surveying and Geoinformatics from the University of Lagos. Prior to beginning his master’s program, Toluwani gained professional experience as a Surveyor and Data Processor at Geodetic Offshore Services Limited, where he worked on multiple projects both within Nigeria and internationally.
As a graduate research assistant under the supervision of Dr. Anand Hiroji, Toluwani’s master’s research focuses on developing a zonal normalization approach to improve the interpretation of multibeam water column data. Beyond his research, he has contributed to a range of projects, including supporting the USM-ERDC Oyster Restoration surveys and participating in research cruises such as the SR 2414 Cruise aboard the RV Sally Ride and the AR-81 Sea Acceptance Test Cruise aboard the RV Neil Armstrong.
Toluwani is passionate about hydrography and looks forward to engaging with professionals in the field, as well as exploring emerging technologies that will shape the future of hydrography.
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Pon Hei Chan
Pou Hei Chan is a Ph.D. student in Ocean Engineering at Texas A&M University, where his research is at the forefront of enabling autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to perform object manipulation tasks in challenging, zerovisibility conditions. Unlike conventional camera-based systems, his work focuses on developing robust perception and control strategies relying solely on noisy multibeam sonar data, addressing a critical gap in subsea autonomy.
Prior to his Ph.D., he earned his B.S. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering with a minor in Management from Purdue University, specializing in Autonomy and Control. With over 9 years of experience in ROV/AUV development, Pou Hei possesses a strong interdisciplinary skill set encompassing mechanical design, electrical systems, and programming. His expertise is further demonstrated by a pending U.S. patent for a quick mounting clamp and rail system, and a journal publication currently under revision for the IEEE Journal of Oceanic Engineering, alongside numerous conference posters and awards. Notable accolades include First Place in Posters for College of Engineering at Purdue University and the Sharkpedo Award for innovative Micro-ROV design at the MATE International ROV Competition 2019 for the university category as well as the World Champion at the MATE International ROV Competition 2018 for the high school category.
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Cole Robbins My name is Cole Robbins, and I am a Ph.D. student at Texas A&M University in the Department of Oceanography, where I plan to advance my passion for marine geosciences, coastal infrastructure, and sedimentary dynamics. I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas A&M Galveston with a B.S. in Marine Science and minors in Coastal Environmental Science & Society and Oceanography. As an Undergraduate Research Scholar, I focused on sediment transport and estuarine geology, and I remain committed to applying geoscience toward sustainable coastal development. I’ve worked on projects coastal sedimentation, flood defense design, and the evolving role of marine technology in climate resilience. |
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Qiang Zhu
My name is Qiang Zhu, I am a Ph.D. candidate in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Houston, conducting research in the Bio-Inspired Robotics and Controls Lab. My work focuses on underwater robotics and autonomous control, with a particular interest in applying artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to enable intelligent inspection, localization, and decision-making for subsea systems.
Currently, I am developing autonomous ROV systems for smart-touch flange inspection, which integrates long-range sonar-based SLAM for navigation and short-range image-based visual servoing (IBVS) for precise manipulation. The system uses tactile sensing through piezoceramic-equipped grippers to assess bolt looseness. My research aims to support safer and more efficient offshore infrastructure inspection by reducing reliance on human divers and increasing system autonomy in unstructured underwater environments.
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| Thank you to our Scholarship Sponsors: | ||
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