Congratulations 2026 Science and Engineering Interns!
After reviewing hundreds of competitive applications, Ocean Exploration Trust is excited to announce the nineteen participants selected to join our upcoming Nautilus expedition season as part of the Science and Engineering Internship Program! These newest Corps of Exploration members bring unique perspectives and varied professional experiences while representing communities across the continental United States and Oceania. Congratulations to all the participants!
2026 Science and Engineering Internship Program
Our internships train students in the at-sea environment and provide real-world experience to further develop academic interests and professional career paths via participation in the Nautilus Exploration Program. These interns come from community college, undergraduate, and graduate programs in ocean and atmospheric sciences, seafloor mapping, systems engineering, film programs, civil, mechanical, aerospace, and underwater vehicle engineering.
At sea, they work as ROV Atalanta pilots, data loggers, mapping watchstanders, and video engineers among a wide array of scientists, engineers, and educators whose goal is to support their learning and create an exciting, enriching, and positive ship experience. Beyond their STEM training, all interns gain experience in communications and leadership by participating in educational outreach activities such as broadcasts on NautilusLive.org and live ship-to-shore classroom interactions with learners around the world. The OET Science & Engineering Internship Program is made possible with generous support from the Office of Naval Research STEM Program.
Ocean Science Interns
Mahealani Akui | University of Hawaiʻi, Hilo
Angel Coleen Donguines | University of Guam
Kelsie Kuniyoshi | University of Hawaiʻi, Mānoa
Diana Noto | University of Guam
Mya Satomi Ngemaes | University of Guam
ROV Engineering Interns
Ana Hoffman Sole | Cornell University
Brady Hogg | Washington State University
Haley Peczon | University of California, Santa Cruz
Peter Webster | University of California, Davis
Video Systems Engineering Interns
Marty Girardi | University of West of England
Adam Harper | University of Arizona
Isabel De Allende Silva | University of Southern California
Jacqueline Ratliff | Alum of Montana State University
Seafloor Mapping & Hydrography Interns
Alex Parr | Macalester College
Jhen Seguiwan | Southern Utah University
Gary Turgeon | Northwestern Michigan College
Richie Valdez | University of New Mexico
Navigation Interns
Laura Gilfert | US Naval Academy
Jaida Lippy | US Coast Guard Academy
