It was extremely rewarding to experience working on a research project in person, which was a first. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”
Researching sensors to keep water safe
Midshipmen Joshua and Brennan came onboard through the APL-UW Naval ROTC internship program partnership. During their research internship, they jumped in with the APL-UW Acoustics Department to learn the ins and outs of the multi-sensor towboy (MuST) system—a new underwater sensor technology that detects dangerous objects in coastal waters across the world, allowing divers to remove them and safely return the areas to public use.
After 10 weeks of learning new 3-D modeling and research skills as a part of the MuST team, Joshua and Brennan went from lab to lake to see their hard work in action during a field test on an APL-UW research vessel on Lake Union.
Learn more about Joshua and Brennan’s summer internship and how they collaborated with the APL-UW team.
Meet Joshua Lee
Major
Human Centered Design & Engineering
How I came to APL-UW
I learned about it through the Naval ROTC program and I thought it was a great opportunity for me to learn more about the APL and be a part of the MuST project.
Who helped me along the way
The people that I had the privilege of working with were extremely patient and helpful. It was really encouraging to have people that were being leaders instead of managers.
Standout moment (so far)
When I was able to go out to APL-UW’s field test and meet all of the subject-matter experts that were responsible for each part of the MuST system. Every person that I asked questions were so knowledgeable and passionate in their work and it was truly inspirational to see a sense of pride and accomplishment around the boat.
Joshua and Brennan say they are proud of what they accomplished during their time with APL-UW, and they’re excited to have left the experience with the kind of in-depth applied knowledge and 3-D modeling skills they wouldn’t have been able to get anywhere else. That hands-on learning and the opportunity to see your work make an impact are just two of the things that make APL-UW internships special!
I will always know that this is a career that I would be interested in pursuing because of the inspirational leaders and experts that I met within the internship. I can use the things I learned from this internship as well as my journey in the Navy to boost my technical proficiency as an engineer.”
Meet Brennan Hunt
Major
Applied Physics with a minor in Applied Mathematics
How I came to APL-UW
I was intrigued by the fact that the project was working with and being funded by the Navy.
Who helped me along the way
Midshipman Lee and myself did the same work, but we modeled different munitions and anchors. I think this was helpful because each object had its own complex issues to work around, so we could go to each other if we were having trouble. If one of us was experiencing a problem with a particular object, the other may have already experienced something similar and found a potential solution.
Standout moment (so far)
The day that we spent out on the lake, watching everything in motion and getting to see how all the instruments and systems worked together to collect data.