WAVE Program
The Watercraft and Vessel Engineering (WAVE) program partners with industry to advance watercraft research, education, and vessel engineering innovation.
The WAVE program started in 2025 with a $3.2 million grant from Triumph Gulf Coast. The WAVE program has three major focus areas:
- Perform fundamental research in watercraft and related fields by connecting UWF faculty and students to research infrastructure.
- Support the emerging WAVE-related economic development on the Northwest Florida coastline through manufacturing, training, consulting, and applied research.
- Equip students for careers in water and vessel engineering through coursework, laboratories, and connections to industry.
The WAVE program is located at the Port of Pensacola, near the American Magic facility. WAVE has partnerships with American Magic and other companies at the Port of Pensacola.
Expanding Research Leadership in WAVE
- Department: Mechanical Engineering
- Office Location: Building 4, Room 432
An engineering educator and innovator whose work bridges mechanical and ocean engineering, robotics, renewable energy, workforce development, and technology commercialization to advance the blue economy and regional growth.
- Department: Mechanical Engineering
- Office Location: Building 4, Room 326
Mechanical engineering faculty at UWF with experience in teaching, research, and applied practice. Holds a Ph.D. from the University of Hawai‘i, a master’s from the University of Virginia, and graduate certificates in Higher Education Leadership and Coastal Engineering.
