ARL at UH Work helps data technology earn a graduate research grant

A data analyst at the University of Hawaii at the Mānoa Applied Research Lab (ARL bee Uh) was selected for the highly competitive National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program. This five-year scholarship covers tuition and provides a stipend for each eligible graduate program for which the winner is selected.

Participate ARL bee UhIan Robertson became involved with the Rapid Resilient Reefs for Coastal Defense (R3D) project. One of his contributions to the project was the development of an advanced machine learning algorithm intended to characterize how waves break over artificial structures. His work has helped advance the understanding of wave dynamics and holds promise for improving coastal defense strategies.

“When I started at ARLDespite my math degree, I had limited hands-on experience with oceanography,” said Robertson. “However, over the past three years I have had the opportunity to work on various projects and gain invaluable skills.”

Robertson continues his education through the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Joint Program by attending graduate school Ph.D in physical oceanography.

“Collaborating with experts in different fields has played an important role in my research journey,” said Robertson. “The collaboration with colleagues from ocean technology, marine biology and various institutions was an eye-opener. It is essential to bridge the gap between scientists and engineers to develop holistic solutions to complex oceanographic challenges.”

More R3D

ARL bee Uh is leading the development of a hybrid coral reef designed to protect coastal infrastructure from flooding, erosion and storm damage. The aim of this project is to provide alternatives to coastline paving solutions, such as traditional breakwaters, jetties or sea walls, with a nature-based solution that includes a living ecosystem with a wave-dampening base structure.

“Coral reefs worldwide are in a dire state and the impact goes beyond the loss of beaches and coastal properties,” he said R3D Lead researcher Ben Jones. “These losses are negatively impacting local economies and indigenous communities in the Pacific, who have lived off the reefs for generations. Ian’s research will help us understand the nature of the waves breaking near our hybrid reef and ensure we can restore a thriving, diverse coral reef community in areas where degraded reefs currently exist.

ARL bee Uh works together with the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology and the Uh Mānoa Department of Ocean and Resources Engineering and a local industry partner, Makai Ocean Engineering, to develop this living breakwater that can reduce wave energy, promote coral establishment and growth, and survive marine heat waves. In December 2023 AARL bee Uh was awarded phase two of the project, including the deployment of a prototype structure near Kailua Bay Ulupa’u crater on the Mōkapu Peninsula.