2026 ROV Shakedown

Kasey Cantwell is the operations chief for the Expeditions and Exploration Division of NOAA Ocean Exploration. Kasey has a master’s degree in marine affairs and policy and marine geology and geophysics and a bachelor’s degree in marine science and biology, both from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. Kasey joined NOAA Ocean Exploration in 2012 and is responsible for overseeing the office’s operational portfolio, including telepresence-enabled expeditions aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer. In her role as an expedition coordinator for remotely operated vehicle expeditions, she has coordinated over two dozen expeditions and projects, including multidisciplinary expeditions throughout the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. Beyond deep-sea exploration, Kasey’s background includes imagery-based mapping of coral reefs throughout the Caribbean, long-term ecosystem monitoring, and evaluating resource management strategies to improve efficiency and data quality.

Nikki Morgan, Ph.D., started with NOAA Ocean Exploration in 2026 and is training to become a full-time expedition coordinator. She previously coordinated nearly a dozen deep-sea expeditions from 2012-2021 in the North Pacific and off the Gulf coast of Florida, using numerous technologies including autonomous underwater vehicle Sentry, human occupied underwater vehicles Pisces IV and Pisces V, and remotely operated vehicle Lu’ukai. Nikki studied connectivity of deep-sea communities using video surveys and population genetic structure of the precious red coral Hemicorallium laauense, and she has an unabiding love for deep-sea octocorals. She also has a not-so-secret passion for mapping and digital map making, which can be seen in a number of her publications. She holds doctoral and master’s degrees in oceanography from Florida State University and a bachelor’s degree in marine biology from the University of Texas at Austin.

Chris Ritter holds bachelor’s degrees in ocean engineering and aerospace engineering with a minor in mathematics from Virginia Tech.  Chris first sailed on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer on the Cayman Rise Expedition in 2011, just prior to being hired full time by the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA 05). Since then, he has assisted with the upgrade, maintenance, and piloting of the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) system on Okeanos Explorer as well as other deep submergence equipment on multiple marine platforms. He is a skilled dive supervisor, pilot, co-pilot, and navigator and is currently a member of the ROV Mechanical Engineering team. 

Christopher (Chris) Knowlton is the associate director for operation at the University of Rhode Island’s (URI’s) Inner Space Center. He received his bachelor’s degree in geology from Colgate University and his master’s in geological oceanography from URI’s Graduate School of Oceanography. Chris’s primary research interest is paleoceanography, particularly glacial-interglacial cycles over the last 1 million years and the ocean carbon cycle. He has worked on projects from the tropics to the poles. He has been involved in telepresence operations for more than 15 years and has experience developing telepresence workflows and tools as well as designing and installing ship-based systems.

Rachel Simon is a data and video engineer with the University of Rhode Island (URI) Graduate School of Oceanography’s Inner Space Center. She holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from URI. After working several years in broadcasting — operating an early-generation audio-over-IP infrastructure — she pivoted to ocean research. She began as a shoreside engineering watchstander supporting expeditions on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer. Her first at-sea expedition was in 2019, supporting video systems for BBC’s Blue Planet Live aboard Research Vessel Atlantis. Since then, Rachel has worked on nearly 15 different vessels. Rachel’s most recent at-sea experience was aboard Exploration Vessel Nautilus, which took her to Hawai‘i, American Samoa, Palau, Guam, the Solomon Islands, and the atoll of Majuro in the Marshall Islands. Rachel is excited to finally work on the “wet end” of Okeanos Explorer telepresence systems. While not at sea, she is living her best life in exciting downtown Providence, Rhode Island.

Treyson (Trey) Gillespie lives in Charleston, South Carolina, and holds a bachelor’s degree in geology and environmental geosciences and a master’s degree in environmental and sustainability studies from the College of Charleston. While there, Trey completed the BEnthic Acoustic Mapping & Survey (BEAMS) program, where he gained experience processing and analyzing multibeam bathymetric data for applied scientific research. As a result, Trey has worked with a variety of international and domestic organizations such as Seabed 2030, Geological Survey Ireland, the INFOMAR Project, the U.S. federal government (as a NOAA explorer-in-training and as an independent contractor), and aboard several University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) vessels in support of oceanographic science and as a mentor to undergraduate students and interns. Since 2019, Trey has worked with academic, commercial, and governmental vessels to map our global ocean in support of the greater scientific community. Trey now works in a scientist III role with the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, serving as a member of the technical operations team for NOAA Ocean Exploration.

Fernando Aragon is a skilled engineer with over a decade of experience in the marine industry, specializing in the development and optimization of software for remotely operated vehicle systems and data pipeline management. He focuses on building solutions that enhance the performance and capabilities of marine robotic systems. Fernando holds a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Hawai‘i, where he explored multiple disciplines, including field robotics, orbital mechanics research and conceptual design. He worked at the Field Robotics Laboratory, where he supported operations, testing, and software development for two uncrewed surface vehicles. These early experiences sparked a lasting passion for the design and development of robotic systems, which continues to drive him today.

Caitlin Bailey is a science and natural history filmmaker and photographer with experience in video production, video engineering, and storytelling. She has been part of the video team aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer since 2016. Caitlin is also a National Geographic Explorer and has worked as part of the National Geographic Pristine Seas media team since 2024. She is also a member of The Explorers Club, the Emerging League at the International League of Conservation Photographers, a partner photographer with Girls Who Click, and a board member of the Ocean Media Institute. She enjoys public speaking and mentoring young natural history storytellers.

Amanda Bittinger is a hydrographic surveyor and ocean mapper sailing as a member of the Mapping Team on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer since 2015. In addition to serving as the mapping watch lead, she has also been the onboard mapping lead for several telepresence mapping expeditions. She has a bachelor’s degree in oceanography, a master’s degree in coastal management with an emphasis on using remote sensing to determine coral reef health, and 20 years of surveying and mapping experience. She has an interest in integrated mapping operations from shallow to deep water using air, surface, and subsea vehicles, and she aspires to go to Antarctica.

Alex DeCiccio is a documentary photographer, cinematographer, and editor whose work bridges science, storytelling, and visual art. He has worked for the University of Rhode Island/Graduate School of Oceanography’s Inner Space Center since its founding in 2009.

Michael Dennin graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a minor in mathematics from the University of Alabama (Roll Tide). He has spent the last three years in the space industry, taking on roles including quality, manufacturing, and mechanical engineering for Leidos, developing and fabricating infrared sensor payloads. Michael lives in San Diego, California, and in his free time, Michael enjoys surfing, skiing, traveling, or picking up whatever skill (technical or recreational) that catches his eye. This is Michael’s first expedition, so he brings an unwavering sense of curiosity and eagerness to learn from the many talented team members on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

Brian Doros is a television broadcast engineer who was born in Long Branch, New Jersey. Active in sports throughout high school, Brian moved to Southern California and spent the next few years traveling the world surfing and then exploring his technical interests at college in San Diego, California. After changing his course of study to electronics, he focused on broadcast electronics and technical maintenance in broadcasting. His career path first led him to employment at IBM/MCA Video Laser Disc Company in Costa Mesa, California, doing research and development in the early days of optical laser disc, then to Los Angeles, where he specialized in film for television postproduction. The next several years were spent working in the Hollywood postproduction industry at Paramount Pictures, MGM/Lorimar Telepictures, 20th Century Fox, NFL Films, and Sony Broadcast Company North America, contributing to his 25 years of experience in television postproduction and broadcast systems integration. After Hollywood, Brian worked in the field, traveling and upgrading network television facilities to digital broadcasting capabilities during the analog to digital conversion. He now has moved on to less broadcast traditional applications of his background working in his current position.

Jenna Ehnot has been drawn to the field of marine robotics from the instant she learned about it during her first semester of college. She received her bachelor’s degree in ocean engineering from the University of New Hampshire (UNH), spending four years on a team building an uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) from hobby robotics parts. To better understand the software side of robotics, she continued at UNH to complete a master’s in ocean engineering. She conducted her research within the marine robotics laboratory at the Center of Coastal and Ocean Mapping, supporting USV expeditions from the Southern Pacific to the Great Lakes. In her research, she worked to train an open-source computer vision algorithm to detect small obstacles for USVs. Persistently curious and a life-long lover of the ocean, she is thrilled to begin her work with underwater vehicles aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer as a member of the remotely operated vehicle team. Jenna currently resides in New Hampshire and can be found tinkering at the local makerspace or walking along the coast in her free time.

Hailing from Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, Matt Giovinetti joins NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer with 35+ years of high-octane production experience and a deep-seated passion for exploration and science. As a seasoned director of photography and FAA Part 107 drone pilot, he has spent much of the last two decades as the eye behind the lens (and the propellers) for Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Travel Channel’s Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations, traveling the world to film — and eat — the best the globe has to offer. A lifelong aviation and space enthusiast, Matt frequently geeks out on the latest aerospace developments and all things flight-related on YouTube. Twice a week, he trades his cameras and drones for a microphone as “Matt Gio,” the on-air personality for Cape Fear Radio (catch him Tuesdays and Fridays, 5-7 p.m. ET). On air, he enjoys ranting about critical topics like shopping cart etiquette in “Gio’s Completely Unqualified Opinion” and famously ends every show with a series of cringeworthy dad jokes. At home, he is a dedicated chef currently obsessed with the art of wok cooking, and he is most happily supported by his wife Lise-Marie, their dog Lilou, and their cat Tinky. Matt is thrilled to join Okeanos Explorer and ready to help the team capture the next great discovery — and perhaps swap a few recipes in the galley.

Ventsi Gotov is a data/telepresence engineer at the University of Rhode Island’s (URI) Inner Space Center, supporting network and computer systems for oceanographic research operations. With over 10 years of network engineering experience spanning internet service providers and enterprise environments, he has recently expanded into IP video engineering, working with SMPTE 2110 systems. Ventsi earned his bachelor’s degree in information systems from Bryant University and his master’s degree in computer science from URI, where he specialized in algorithms and data science. Originally from Bulgaria, Ventsi has called Rhode Island home for 20 years and lives there with his family. His career has also taken him to New Zealand, where he lived and worked for several years.

Sarah Haberstroh is an unmanned systems integration professional with more than 13 years of experience supporting government and commercial maritime operations, expeditionary missions, and subsea robotics programs. Her background includes autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) and remotely operated vehicle deployment, offshore mission execution, robotic systems integration, training, and lifecycle management. She has led underwater operations for complex offshore recovery projects, managed the Naval Special Warfare AUV program of record and served in the U.S. Navy supporting global deployments.

Jessie Heise is a data manager with NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information through the Northern Gulf Institute at Mississippi State University. Originally from Virginia, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a minor in Marine Science from the College of William and Mary. Following graduation, she moved to Florida and worked as a fisheries biologist at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, leading inshore and offshore surveys monitoring fish populations. She then relocated to North Carolina to work for the Undersea Vehicles Program at University of North Carolina Wilmington as a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) pilot and technician for the Mohawk ROV. This will be Jessie’s first expedition on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, and she is very excited to get out on the water again. She will be moving to Ocean Springs, Mississippi, in June and is looking forward to exploring a different part of the Gulf coast. When not on the water, she enjoys swimming, outdoor activities, cooking, and traveling.

Paul Kanive, Ph.D., earned his doctorate from Montana State University in 2020 with a focus on quantitative ecology of white shark populations off California. Additional projects include using advanced electronic tagging technologies for marine megafauna in tandem with remote underwater telemetry systems. Paul joined the remotely operated vehicle team on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer in 2025 for the Papahānaumokuākea Mapping and ROV expedition.

Sean Kennison is a mechanical engineer with a minor in engineering mechanics. He has been sailing aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer since 2014, upgrading, maintaining, and piloting the remotely operated vehicle system of Deep Discoverer and Seirios. His mission is to advance the nation’s capacity to explore the world’s ocean through highly specialized deep-submergence equipment and to train the next generation of deep-sea engineers on critical depth systems.

Anna Lienesch is a data manager with NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) through the University of Maryland’s Cooperative Institute for Satellite Earth System Studies. After graduating with a marine science degree, Anna conducted long-term environmental monitoring programs across three continents where she developed a diverse background in biological, geological, chemical, and physical oceanography, emphasising data standardization throughout multiple state and federal programs. Anna has been with NCEI and NOAA Ocean Exploration’s Data Management Team since 2018, serving as a sample data manager for NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer expeditions for more than five years. When not at sea, Anna serves as the team lead for NOAA Ocean Exploration’s competitive grant program’s end-to-end data management activities and is the NCEI liaison to various NOAA divisions and line offices. Anna is originally from Maryland, but currently resides in Colorado where she enjoys camping, hiking, and gardening.

Isabella Monaco is a graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies with a minor in atmospheric and oceanic sciences. Her career as a seafloor mapper and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) navigator have taken her on expeditions across the Pacific Ocean. This will be her first expedition aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, where she’s especially excited to work with the dual-body ROV system and collaborate with the exploration team.

Captain Bill Mowitt is the acting director of NOAA Ocean Exploration, part of NOAA Research. Prior to his service with NOAA Ocean Exploration, he was the director of NOAA’s Uncrewed Systems Operations Center. There he led NOAA’s adoption of more than 20 different uncrewed systems across the agency’s ocean and weather missions portfolios. In his time with the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps, Bill served more than nine years at sea on NOAA ships. This took him to virtually all parts of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone and included time as commanding officer of NOAA Ships Henry B. Bigelow and Pisces, where he spearheaded the integration of multibeam sonars on both ships, expanding their mission datasets. On land, Bill has served as deputy director of NOAA Ocean Exploration, on the staff of the NOAA administrator, and as a congressional fellow with Senator Mark Begich of Alaska. He is a graduate of Williams College and holds master’s degrees in marine environmental science from the University of Maryland and in public administration from American University, and a certificate in public leadership from the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government.

David Ritter has a bachelor’s degree in fisheries science from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree in fisheries management from Montana State University. He has spent much of his career working with remote telemetry systems and underwater monitoring technologies and video systems, including multiple remotely operated vehicle (ROV) platforms. He joined the ROV team on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer in 2025 on the Papahānaumokuākea Mapping and ROV expedition.

Jacob Stock began his career as a sonar technician in the U.S. Navy, where he operated and maintained acoustic systems aboard different vessels. He transitioned into hydrographic research after obtaining a bachelor’s degree in geology from the College of Charleston as a member of the BEnthic Acoustic Mapping and Survey (BEAMS) program. He currently serves as a senior engineering research technologist at the University of South Florida Center for Ocean Mapping and Innovative Technologies. In this role he’s the chief survey technician for Research Vessel Tocobaga and supports students and faculty on projects involving sonar data acquisition, processing, and interpretation. In addition to his work at the university, Jacob has done contract work with various private and government organizations ensuring high-quality data collection at sea.

Levi Unema is an electrical engineer specializing in deep-sea exploration through remotely operated underwater vehicles. An Eagle Scout from Lynden, Washington, he holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering with a certificate in electric power engineering from Michigan Technological University. He began his work in ocean science in 2016, designing, building, operating, and maintaining advanced robotic systems for oceanographic missions. Unema has sailed on expeditions aboard the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, E/V Nautilus, and R/V Falkor too, serving as an electrical engineer, navigator, pilot, and co-pilot while supporting live broadcast video operations. He is based in Newport, Rhode Island, where he continues to advance technologies that enable deep ocean exploration.

Christopher (Chris) Wright holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of Mary Washington and a Master of Business Administration from Rollins College. After graduation, he worked as a network and systems administrator and engineer in the hospitality industry in the Northeast and Mountain West for more than 15 years. He completed his first expedition aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer in 2019, and remains extremely excited about continuing the journey to explore ocean basins around the world. Chris and his family currently reside in Newport, Rhode Island.