Dr. Derek Sowers
Mapping Operations Manager
Ocean Exploration Trust
Friday, October 3, 2025, 3:10pm
Chase 105
Abstract
The Ocean Exploration Trust (OET) is a non-profit organization that aims to explore poorly known parts of our ocean, seeking out new discoveries while pushing the boundaries of technological innovation, education and outreach. Expeditions are launched aboard E/V Nautilus, a 224-foot exploration vessel equipped with remotely operated vehicles, a deep-water multibeam mapping sonar, sub-bottom sonar, and other state-of-the-art technologies. OET is part of NOAA’s Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute (OECI), and this talk will highlight partnership efforts to employ autonomous surface vehicles, autonomous underwater vehicles, water column profiling landers, and a variety of sensors for exploration missions. This talk will also highlight discoveries from recent expeditions in the Pacific Ocean, and preview expedition plans for 2026.
Bio
Derek Sowers is the Mapping Operations Manager for the Ocean Exploration Trust, as well as an Affiliate Assistant Professor at UNH/CCOM. He previously served as an Expedition Coordinator for NOAA Ocean Exploration for nine years while completing his Ph.D. in Oceanography at UNH. The Ocean Exploration Trust is an industrial partner with UNH/CCOM—Derek has an office here in the building, and frequently partners with faculty, staff, and students on ocean exploration missions.
