Southern Miss Student Receives Honored Underwater Technology Scholarship

Mon, 09/16/2024 - 09:50am | By: Gabriela Shinskie

Olagoke Daramola, a marine science Ph.D. student at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE), continues to display monumental success in technology research by accepting the Society for Underwater Technology- U.S. Branch (SUT-US) scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students. The scholarship is part of the SUT Educational Support Fund, awarded to six students nationwide who express academic excellence and a passion for marine science, underwater technology, or offshore engineering.

“I’m highly honored to be selected as a recipient of the prestigious SUT-US scholarship award. This award is a great encouragement and inspiration, providing financial support for my current academic endeavors and offering access to valuable opportunities and resources within the SUT-US community,” expressed Daramola.

A select few students across the country are chosen for the annual award. Those selected possess career goals focusing on marine science and technology. Daramola continues to receive high praise for his research, which focuses on 3-D underwater mapping from a novel LiDAR system.

Dr. Gero Nootz, Assistant Professor in the School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE), credits the programs for the success of its students.

“As Olagokes's advisor, I am incredibly proud of his dedication and eagerness to excel in his work. His commitment to improving ocean floor mapping through innovative LiDAR technology is truly commendable. This scholarship is a well-deserved recognition of his hard work and potential to make significant contributions to the field,” said Nootz.

Daramola was recently awarded the prestigious Paros-Digiquartz Scholarship from the Marine Technology Society (MTS) to further his research. The scholarship winners display academic excellence and dedication to future marine technology. Dr. Robert Leaf, SOSE Interim Director, displays high accolades to the research and dedication of USM SOSE faculty and staff.

“The School of Ocean Science and Engineering is incredibly proud of Mr. Daramola for the recognition he has received. It is a testament to his dedication and competence. This is also an honor for our School’s Ocean Engineering program, which continues to deliver high-quality research and learning opportunities to our students,” said Leaf.  

The ceremony took place at Rice University in Houston, Texas, on Friday, Sept. 13. The travel and coordination were made possible by Dr. Stephen Howden, SOSE professor, and USM’s Hydrography Science Research Center. The support is a continued testament to the faculty and staff’s dedication to achieving student success.

Click here to dive into research, marine technology, and more through USM’s School of Ocean Science and Engineering. Click here to learn more about the SUT-US.