U.S. Naval Research Laboratory inspires the next generation of scientists during Navy Week Puerto Rico

Photo By Gabrielle Gibert | Mayaguez, Puerto Rico — Navy researchers from the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s Space and Marine Meteorology teams presented STEM at University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez and other educational institutions as part of Navy Week Puerto. Pictured from left to right are Dr. Carlos Font, Arunas Kuciauskas, and Drs. William Komaromi and Freddie Santiago.  

MAYAGUEZ, PUERTO RICO

04.11.2019

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Research Laboratory

The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory researchers and staff participated in Navy Week with eight other Navy activities April 8-11 in Puerto Rico.

They engaged with the local community and students at University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus; InterAmerican University, San German Campus and National Weather Service, Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, and University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus.

During the visit, the researchers presented Navy technologies and research in weather modeling and forecasting, space laser communication and optical sensors. The NRL team also provided the students with information about STEM career and internship opportunities available with NRL.

“At NRL, our mission depends on the contributions of a diverse and vibrant workforce, especially in STEM fields,” said Capt. Scott Moran, NRL’s commanding officer. “NRL’s participation in events like Navy Week can inspire a new generation of scientists and researchers to explore, discover and innovate in these disciplines.”

COAMPS-TC is NRL’s tropical cyclone modeling software and was among the many advances discussed during the week-long visit. It is updated annually. The researchers explained how this year’s version improves global forecasting predictability. They also discussed the development of Saharan Air Layer forecast modeling capabilities. Saharan dust events are a common occurrence in the Caribbean, dumping substantial amounts of dust and triggering a number of respiratory issues for residents.

Researcher Freddie Santiago, with the NRL remote sensing division, discussed technological advances that support the observation and measurement of solar events and space weather, which can impact satellite communication for common technologies such as satellite television and GPS.

“It was a great opportunity to be part of the Puerto Rico Navy Week and interact with so many students and professors,” said Santiago. “It was very rewarding seeing the reactions and interest of students when we presented the overall research areas conducted at NRL and also when we presented more specifically our remote sensing and space research projects…It was a proud moment when we were approached by multiple students letting us know how cool and interesting our research is and on the spot, saying they were interested on pursuing an internships and/or career with NRL.”

NRL research physicist Carlos Font presented on laser communication and using lasers to send messages into space and spoke about other efforts in space operations research.

NRL’s mission is to operate as the Navy's full-spectrum corporate laboratory, conducting a broadly-based multidisciplinary program of scientific research and advanced technological development directed toward maritime applications of new and improved materials, techniques, equipment, systems and ocean, atmospheric, space sciences and related technologies.

For more information, visit the NRL website https://www.nrl.navy.mil/ or follow the Lab on social media @USNRL.

• Date Taken: 04.11.2019
• Date Posted: 04.18.2019 11:41
• Story ID: 318638
• Location: MAYAGUEZ, PR