.png?width=1600&height=760&name=FullColor1600Wide%20(1).png "MATE ROV Competition")
The MATE ROV Competition made waves at Underwater Intervention (UI) 2024, celebrating the participation of 16 talented students and showcasing the power of experiential learning in marine technology. From delivering insightful presentations to connecting with industry professionals, these students highlighted how MATE and its initiatives prepare the next generation of ocean innovators.
A Diverse Cohort of Participants
Community College Engagement
Seven students from community and technical colleges attended UI as part of a follow-on experience linked to the MATE Floats! Summer Workshop, funded by the National Center for Autonomous Technologies (NCAT) grant. These students, who were introduced to Global Ocean Biogeochemical (GO-BGC) float technology during the summer workshop, gained another valuable touchpoint with MATE and its parent organization, the Marine Technology Society (MTS).
Additionally, four students from Long Beach City College (LBCC) participated, funded by the NCAT grant as part of an extended program to engage and prepare students for maritime careers. Three of these students, who had also participated in the Peerside Program at the Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO), presented alongside their faculty mentor, Tara Willis, in the Workforce Development for the Blue Economy track. Their talk, “Bridging the Gap: Addressing Workforce Development Challenges in the Blue Economy through the Peerside Program,” highlighted the program’s innovative approach to hands-on learning.
High School Highlights
Four high school students from Florida Atlantic University High School’s Night Owls ROV team earned their spot at UI as winners of the 2024 NOAA Ocean Exploration Video Challenge. Supported by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, they contributed to a presentation by NOAA’s Patrick Cooper, “Advancing Ocean Exploration through AI: The MATE ROV Competition and NOAA Ocean Exploration Video Challenge,” underscoring the value of early STEM engagement.
University Representation
University of Washington undergraduate Paige McKay, a member of the MATE Floats! instructional team, also attended UI. Her participation, funded by GO-BGC, included co-presenting a session titled “MATE Floats! Marine Technology Summer Workshop: Preparing Students with Technical Skills for the Maritime Industry.” Supporting students in attending conferences like UI aligns with MATE's and MTS's shared mission to foster the next generation of marine technology professionals.
MATE’s Impact in Workforce Development
Jill Zande, MATE Executive Director, continued her leadership as chair of the Workforce Development track at UI. MATE’s contributions to workforce development were further showcased by team member Matt Gardner, who presented on incorporating MATE Floats! Tasks into the ROV competition. His presentation, “MATE Floats!: Promoting the Development of New Student Skills through the MATE ROV Competition’s MATE Floats! Mission,” reinforced the connection between competition missions and real-world industry needs.
Mentorship and Preparation
Tara Willis, a faculty mentor from LBCC, played a pivotal role in supporting all 16 student participants. Tara organized a pre-conference orientation and prep session to ensure students were ready to make the most of their UI experience. Her guidance extended on-site, where she mentored students and provided invaluable professional insights.
Looking Ahead
The students’ participation at UI 2024 is a testament to MATE’s commitment to fostering future leaders in marine technology. By connecting students to opportunities like the MATE Floats! Program and the NOAA OE Video Challenge, and through partnerships with organizations like NCAT, FIO, and GO-BGC, MATE continues to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application in the blue economy and provides students with the opportunity to build their professional and peer networks!
MATE is proud of these students for representing the competition, the mission, and the community at such a prestigious event. We can’t wait to see what they’ll accomplish next!
