Michigan Technological University News

Brunswick Corporation, in a move to to build on its ACES (Autonomy, Connectivity, Electrification & Shared Access) strategy to develop solutions to further improve boater experiences, named Jason Arbuckle to a newly formed role of Marine Autonomy Technology Lead. Arbuckle joined Mercury Marine in 1997 and has since advanced through the company, working to lead some of the company’s many award-winning innovative technology solutions. Throughout his career, Arbuckle has been instrumental…

This month, listen in as Sean Fernstrum weighs in on how his firm arrived at its enviable market position, what comes next, and why.Sean Fernstrum is a third-generation owner of R.W Fernstrum & Company. He graduated from Michigan Technological University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Scientific and Technical Communications. After college, he came home to Menominee, Michigan and began working as a Technical Writer at R.W. Fernstrum & Company. He has been President of the company for the last 8 years.

NOAA maritime archaeologists and partners have located and identified two previously undiscovered historic shipwrecks in Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The shipwrecks are the wooden steamer Ohio (1873-1894) and the steel-hulled steamer Choctaw (1892-1915). In May 2017, a sanctuary-led expedition used high-resolution sonars to map the bottom of Lake Huron, during which they located the two ships. At the time, researchers were confident they had discovered the 202-foot Ohio and the 266-foot Choctaw. The team recently confirmed the vessels’ identities using underwater robots to collect photos and video of the shipwrecks. The sanctuary is planning future expeditions to better understand, manage and interpret Ohio and Choctaw.

It's a career-defining moment for 36 college and university faculty April 30, as the Department of the Navy announces the recipients of its 2015 Young Investigator Program, one of the oldest and most selective scientific research advancement programs in the country. Collectively, awardees will receive $18.8 million in grants to fund research across a range of naval-relevant science and technology areas. This is a banner year for the program, administered by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), which increased funding by 50 percent over last year. "These recipients demonstrate the type of visionary, multidisciplinary thought that helps the U.S. Navy anticipate and adapt to a dynamic battlespace," said Dr. Larry Schuette, ONR's director of research.

Naval architecture and engineering firm Alan C. McClure Associates (ACMA) announced today that Registered Professional Engineer Nicholas Barczak has joined the ACMA team as a naval architect. Nick received his Masters of Engineering in Naval Architecture and Small Craft Design in 2008 from the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom. He also attended Michigan Technological University where he studied Mechanical Engineering. Prior to joining ACMA, Nick worked as a Naval Architect with Art Anderson Associates and Elliott Bay Design Group.

Viking Welding & Response Marine, Inc. have recently completed a 36’ research vessel, which is being used in United States Coast Guard Academy coursework this fall. Christened the Michael J. Greeley Spirit of ’61, the vessel was largely funded by gifts from the Academy class of 1961 and named after a class member who passed away while a cadet at the Academy. The Michael J. Greeley adds capacity, capability and versatility to the marine research and lab work offerings of the Academy.

Samson, specialist in performance cordage, has furthered its commitment to research and development by hiring Greg Mozsgai, Senior R&D Engineer; Mark Pederson, R&D Engineer; and Dylan Dundas, Sales Support Technician. Greg Mozsgai comes to Samson with an MS degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (U of I) and a BS degree in Engineering Science from Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas. His diverse experience includes microelectromechanical-systems (MEMS) design and fabrication. Most recently, he worked for a start up spun out of the U of I, manufacturing small fuel cells as battery replacements for portable electronics in both the consumer and industrial/military markets. As Senior R&D Engineer, Mr.

The appointment of John E. Valek to Chief Operating Officer (COO) of RB Royal Industries, Inc. was announced by John W. Neumann, Jr., the company's Chairman and CEO. Valek will also continue to perform his duties as Executive Vice- president and General Manager. A graduate of Michigan Technological University, Valek received a B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering. He has been with the company since 1994.

A team led by Rolls-Royce has been selected to develop and deliver an integrated high-capacity ship-to-ship cargo transfer system concept for the US Navy's Office of Naval Research (ONR). materials, personnel and equipment in heavy seas. This high-capacity alongside sea-based sustainment (HiCASS) award is the first of several phases and is valued at $1million. Ultimately, HiCASS could be worth as much as $20 million as the project moves through demonstration and initial production phases over three years.

Unidynamics welcomed back William H. Kell to its team as Director of Systems Engineering responsible for estimating, product development, design and manufacturing engineering. Bill comes to us with over 15 years of engineering experience and was with Crane Defense Systems, the parent company of Unidynamics prior to its acquisition by Gulf Coast Holdings in the fall of 1999. Bill's desire to return to Unidynamics coupled with his history with the company made him an optimal choice for this position. His most recent experience was with SGI-Integrated Graphic Systems as their Director of Engineering. During his tenure with SGI, he was responsible for Product Development and Estimating, Product Configuration Control, Drafting and Art.