Hannah Arnholt
Ph.D. Candidate
Ocean Engineering
University of New Hampshire
Friday, January 23, 2026, 3:10 p.m.
Chase 105
Abstract
The Marine and Naval Technological Advancements for Robotic Autonomy (MANTA RAY) group at the University of New Hampshire is focusing on research around different facets of Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles (UUVs). Current research includes the development of robotic perception algorithms, new inter-vehicle communication techniques, and construction of novel vehicle platforms. Bio-inspiration has also become a large part of MANTA RAY research, as seen with the Ghost Uncrewed Performance Platform Submersible (GUPPS) designed after steelhead trout, and the Marine and Naval Techniques for Integrated Sensing (MANTIS) developed for multimodal sensing using perception observations from marine fauna. This presentation will delve into the details of the graduate research going on within the MANTA RAY group, and to show how this research can be applied to the future of marine robotics.
Bio
With a focus on bio-inspired underwater perception for Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), Hannah Arnholt is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of New Hampshire in Ocean Engineering. Hannah received her Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2017 from the University of Miami, working on combustion engine intake efficiency for her senior capstone research. After completing her undergraduate degree, Hannah worked as a Software Requirements Systems Engineer for Raytheon Technologies in Massachusetts, before deciding to return to school for her Ph.D. Aside from her Ph.D. research, Hannah has also been a graduate advisor for the Marine and Naval Technological Advancements for Robotic Autonomy (MANTA RAY) group since 2020, which consists of not only aiding with developing different marine robotics platforms, but mentoring the different students that help with the project. Hannah's Ph.D. degree is currently being funded by the DoD SMART Scholar program, and she will be working at Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Keyport, WA upon completion of her degree.
