SharkCam captures deep water attack, Scibotics
Amy L. Kukulya
Research Engineer
Expedition Leader
Principal Investigator, TagLab, Scibotics Lab AOP&E
Contact Information:
Work: 508-289-3689
Email Amy
Mailing Address:
266 Woods Hole Road, MS #10
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Woods Hole, MA 02543
August 16, 2019, Boston, MA:
Amy Kukulya, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Research Engineer, throws a ceremonial first pitch during pregame ceremonies before the Boston Red Sox's game against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts
(Photo by Cameron Pollack/Boston Red Sox)
Research Interests
Underwater vehicle system architecture for docking, navigation, communications, underwater archaeology, three-dimensional tracking of animals and under-ice capabilities; Development of science applications for underwater vehicles; Professional outreach communicator/speaker.
Awards, Professional Activities & Affiliations, Activities
- Appointed Member, WHOI Presidential Search Committee, 2020
- Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education, Leadership into the 21st Century, 2018
- Expert Witness on Sharks and Technology, Full Senate Hearing U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, July 18, 2018
- Harvard Kennedy Business School Executive Program Class, Creating Collaborative Solutions, 2017
- Society of Women Engineers Member, 2017-ongoing
- Center for Marine Robotics, Network of Talent Member, 2016-ongoing
- UCLA Technical Management Program, 2016
- Recipient of the Linda Morse-Porteous Award for dedication to discovery, excellence and for serving as a role model to other women, 2015
- Wowster Mentor and Outreach Professional, Appointed by MA Governor's Office, 2012- ongoing
- IEEE Ocean Engineering Society, 2006 –ongoing
- Retirement Task Force- Member, May 2009-June 2010
- Woman’s Committee elected member, Webmaster, September 2007 (2 year)
- ASLO, American Society for Limnology and Oceanography, 2004-2006
Skills
- UUV expert in development and operations
- Experience in development and leading applied field programs
- Under-Ice and on ice field experience
- Project Development and Management
- 50-Ton Masters, USCG Captain's License
- Oceanographic Systems Engineering
- Expedition Leader
- Advanced First Aid & CPR
- PADI Open Water SCUBA Certification
- Public Speaker
- Lobstering
- Can throw a baseball from the mound over home plate at Fenway
- Creative problem solver
Education
- B.S., Environmental Policy, Rutgers University
Biography
Amy Kukulya is a recognized authority in development and operations of autonomous underwater systems (AUVs) at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, specializing in scientific applications of AUVs. She is a Principal Investigator and Expedition Leader in the Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering Department. Current Projects include OceanRobotCam, developing tags in Taglab@whoi.edu and she is also the lead technical developer for under-ice oil detection and mapping projects. Working with underwater robots has brought her from the Arctic to Antarctica. Her technical skills include configuration and operations of AUV systems, including navigation, imaging capabilities, new sensor development and troubleshooting electrical systems. She has either led or participated in over 95 oceanographic expeditions to date. Apart from her technical skills, she is passionate about promoting education/outreach initiatives, and has been named a Wowster by the MA Governor's office. She is the lead developer of SharkCam as featured on Shark Week. Her work has also been featured on several Discovery Channel and PBS productions as well as the Boston Globe, Washington Post and National Geographic Magazine. Amy has also testified before the Senate and recently threw out the first pitch at a Boston Red Sox game.