Faculty Spotlight: Calvin Martin

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Embarking on a journey fueled by passion and expertise, I proudly earned my Bachelor of Science in Electronic Technology from Alcorn State University and later pursued a Master of Science in Hydrographic Science from The University of Southern Mississippi. With a career spanning over thirty-six years, I have become a cornerstone in the realms of hydrographic science, nautical science, and technical leadership.

During my tenure as the U.S. Navy Fleet Survey Team Technical Director, I spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives that left an indelible mark on the hydrographic landscape. Notably, I birthed the FST Hydrographic Production Department (NP4), a pioneering endeavor dedicated to infusing cutting-edge processing software into our workflow. The result? A seismic shift in efficiency, as we successfully streamlined operations, slashed rework, and obliterated a daunting 3-year hydrographic data backlog.

Additionally, I worked with the Commanding Officer to create the FST Unmanned Systems Division. This division pioneered the deployment of uncrewed surface and underwater systems to collect hydrographic data that adhere to IHO 1A specifications, resulting in FST's capability to acquire high-quality survey data globally, thereby expanding the safety of navigation survey capabilities.

After retiring from the Department of Defense, U.S. Navy, I decided to pursue a career in education because I love inspiring others to dream and broaden their exposure to careers in Marine Science. To connect with more local students, I regularly visit schools in the area, making a conscious effort to demonstrate that success and excellence in the field of hydrography are attainable for anyone, regardless of their background. Having grown up in Picayune, Miss., I understand the unique challenges and opportunities, and I am deeply committed to inspiring the next generation of hydrographers.

Through extensive visits to local high schools along the coast, I aim to instill a sense of passion and possibility, encouraging students to pursue rewarding careers in this remarkable field.

I believe in a school environment where EVERY student feels valued, motivated, and empowered to achieve their academic best. My mission is to be an exceptional instructor, providing students with the tools to succeed in today's modern and ever-changing world.