Marine and Undersea Technology (MUST) Technical Review 2026

The annual technical showcase highlighted the latest developments in research of naval relevance.

On July 21 and 22, UMass Dartmouth hosted the 2026 Marine and Undersea Technology (MUST) Technical Review in the Claire T. Carney Library. Bringing together faculty researchers, students, industry and naval research partners, the technical review showcased MUST’s progress in advancing technologies that support national security, scientific discovery, and the sustainable use of the marine environment. 

Established through support from the Office of Naval Research, MUST involves researchers from across disciplines at UMass Dartmouth to address complex challenges in the undersea domain. By combining expertise in engineering, computer science, marine science, mathematics, biology, physics, and cybersecurity, MUST advances technologies that strengthen national security while preparing the next generation of scientists and engineers for careers in defense and the blue economy. 

Advancing research for naval and maritime challenges 

The July event showcased 36 interdisciplinary research projects spanning autonomous underwater vehicles, coastal and ocean modeling, underwater communications, advanced sensing technologies, artificial intelligence and machine learning, cybersecurity, quantum computing, materials science, marine energy, ocean dynamics, biofouling, robotics, and environmental monitoring. 

The annual review also serves as an opportunity for Navy leaders and research partners to evaluate project progress, exchange ideas with faculty and students, and identify promising technologies with the potential to transition from university research into future naval applications. 

UMass Dartmouth researchers were joined by Office of Naval Research (ONR) Program Manager Mr. Joseph Harris and Senior Research Fellow Dr. Daniel Deitz, who delivered a talk titled “ONR 101.” Also in attendance were MUST collaborators at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport (NUWC), including Research Director Dr. Elizabeth A. Magliula PhD, Mr. Jacob O’Donnell ’20, and Dr. James LeBlanc; Mr. Geovanny Sequeira of U.S. Representative Bill Keating’s office; Dr. Mouli Rajarathnam of Spectronn; Ida Ang of Mikel, Inc.; and Dr. John Quinn, Assistant Dean for Public Interest Law/Assistant Vice Chancellor for Government and Community Relations at UMass Dartmouth. 

Building the future naval workforce 

Provost Ramprasad Balasubramanian, the director and PI of MUST, kicked off the event, remarking on the impact MUST has in meeting critical needs of the U.S. Navy. “Two of the navy’s greatest priorities are cutting edge research and the development of a highly skilled technical workforce in areas of naval relevance,” he said. “Both of these needs are addressed by MUST.”  

Provost Balasubramanian recognized the important work being done at UMass Dartmouth, especially in the College of Arts & Sciences, College of Engineering, and the School for Marine Science and Technology that has reaffirmed UMass Dartmouth as the marine campus of the UMass System.  

“The UMass Dartmouth Marine and UnderSea Technology (MUST) program is a critical force multiplier for the Naval Undersea Warfare Center,” said Dr. Elizabeth Magliula,  Director of Research at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center’s Chief Technology Office. “This partnership not only accelerates the development of cutting-edge undersea technologies that can transition to the fleet, but also cultivates the specialized talent pipeline our navy requires. The innovations and research showcased at this annual program review reaffirm that our collaboration is essential to maintaining our nation’s competitive edge in the undersea domain.” 

Celebrating student excellence 

At the conclusion of the review, a review panel identified the best student posters resulting from MUST research.  

First place ($1000) 

Vishnu Selvaraj (graduate student, data science). Advised by PI Gavin Fay. 

Second place ($750 each) 

Craig Belanger (undergraduate student, electrical engineering). Advised by PI Ana Doblas. 

Md Mainuddin Sagar (graduate student, mechanical engineering). Advised by PI Kihan Park. 

Subham Chakraborty (graduate student, biology). Advised by PI Pia Moisander 

Third place ($500 each) 

Anamika Menon (graduate student, mechanical engineering). Advised by PI Roulin Zhou 

Matthew Thomas (graduate student, computer science). Advised by PI Sarah Caudill