Mikhail Rossoshanskiy
Tell us about your work/research. What kinds of things do you do?
Most of my time is spent on electrical R&D of novel imaging and lighting systems. This includes hardware system development involving schematic capture and PCB layout, as well as board bring-up and evaluation. I also often help production by compiling documents for assembly and programming of different products. On top of all of this, I love to partake in creative aspects of work in the form of videography and photography. In the past I've filmed educational tutorial videos for DeepSea’s custom machine vision GUI, enhancing usability for scientific and industrial audiences.
What sparked your initial interest in your career?
I don't I can point to a specific event or time that sparked my initial interest in engineering. I've always loved to tinker and build things with my hands. Grateful that I get paid for it now, haha!
Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?
During undergrad, my classmates and friends encouraged me the most, which helped me strive for academic excellence. This set a foundational ground for a good work ethic that I carried into my professional career.
What element of your work/study do you think is the most fascinating?
The most fascinating thing is seeing your designs be used in the field for scientific research and exploration. As an engineer, I believe the most rewarding thing is getting your design/creation/product out in the real world, especially when it's used to further our understanding of the world around us.
How did you get involved with the Ocean Exploration Trust?
As part of the MxD camera integration and field trial efforts, I was asked to attend the upcoming expedition to the Cook Islands. Very excited!
What other jobs led you to your current career?
I've held multiple internship positions in the past, from military drones to environmentally controlled cages for lab mice. Each opportunity proved to be a stepping-stone for technical development.
What are your degrees and certifications?
B.S. in Electrical Engineering - (Circuits and Systems) UC San Diego, Jacobs School of Engineering
What are your hobbies?
I recently carved out a niche hobby in which I take 80-90s surveillance cameras and convert them to handheld camcorders. There's something truly special about CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) sensors and the raw feel of analog video. I get to design custom camera enclosures, hone my 3D printing skills, and work on neat cable routing with each build.
What advice would you give someone who wants to have a career like yours?
I believe it all begins with an inner fire—an almost irresistible pull to wonder, to explore, and to create. At the heart of this journey lies a curious mind, always seeking to uncover what lies beyond the obvious. Yet curiosity alone isn’t enough—you must pair it with grit and resilience, the steady strength that carries you through challenges. Together, these qualities open the door to a career that is not only technically fascinating, but endlessly rewarding.
