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2024 AHS Education Award Winner - Chris Berry

The 2024 AHS Education Award winner is Chris Berry, a MSc Research Student at the University of Tasmania's Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies and a certified Hydrographic Surveyor (CPHS2) with CSIRO's Geophysical Survey and Mapping team.

His research project delves into the mysteries of the Tasmanian Seamounts located south of Tasmania. It aims to enhance our understanding of when and how these seamounts formed, and how the habitat they provide for deep-water coral is distributed and affected by oceanographic and human processes. By leveraging machine learning, advanced seabed characterization techniques, and data acquired by the Marine National Facility RV Investigator, Chris's work is set to reveal new insights into these deep-ocean marine environments.

The Panel’s assessment of Chris' detailed submission noted that this is a topical and very worthwhile thesis as it is likely to contribute to understanding new processing methods through innovative machine learning for ocean floor management, as well as developing a better understanding of an original study area - Tasmanian Seamounts. One reviewer noted that “The project promises substantial contributions to marine science and practical applications in deep-ocean mapping.”

As part of his award, Chris receives $3,500AUD, AHS membership and will be presenting to the AHS soon.

Congratulations Chris!



MSc Research Student at the University of Tasmania's Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies


Katie Hughes and Emily Harrex are the joint 2023 recipients of the AHS Education Award

The AHS Education Award Panel were so impressed by their entries that we awarded two prizes this year. Both Katie and Emily are based in Aotearoa New Zealand. They received their awards and presented their work to members the NZ Region Seminar Day in August 2023. The talks were very well received and generated much conversation afterwards – congratulations to Katie and Emily!

 

Katie Hughes: For her excellent contribution to the hydrographic surveying profession through her research project ‘Reconstructing coseismic landslide-generated lacustrine tsunami’

This area of study is very relevant for our region and members of our society. The Panel’s assessment of your detailed submission is that it shows excellent links between the use of hydrographic processes and techniques to the understanding of natural environments and natural hazard events such as tsunami. The collection, analysis, and incorporation of bathymetric data into this research project is of interest to the AHS membership, and your project will no doubt be of value to the scientific community, as well as to the public who live near lakes around the world.

Katie Hughes is New Zealand PhD candidate in Physical Geography at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington and co-supervised at the University of Otago. Her PhD research investigates the feasibility of using hydrographic and sedimentological methods to develop magnitude-frequency records for landslide-generated lacustrine tsunami, using a case study of lakes across New Zealand’s South Island.

Katie’s research uses multibeam sonar to identify landslide deposits in lake bathymetry, which can provide key insights into the potentially hazardous phenomenon of landslide-generated lake tsunami. A landslide-generated tsunami occurs when a large volume of landslide material impacts the surface of a lake or fjord, or when an underwater slope fails. The displacement of water during these landslides can produce waves with run-up heights of hundreds of metres. Despite the high magnitude nature of these events, there is limited inclusion of this hazard in civil defence measures or hazard assessment for lake environments, particularly in Australasia. 

Katie’s research aims to provide a framework for the application of hydrographic and sedimentological methods to obtain magnitude-frequency records of lake tsunami that can be applied in New Zealand, and lakes globally. Furthermore, this project has developed a dataset of high-resolution multibeam bathymetry and detailed subaqueous landslide inventories for the five study lakes, which can be utilized for a range of other research applications. This project seeks to promote the utility of hydrographic methods in geoscience and natural hazard assessment, particularly its value in addressing the absence of data-driven risk management for the poorly understood hazard of lake tsunami. 

 

Emily Harrex: For her excellent contribution to the hydrographic surveying profession with her research project ‘Breaking Waves; A Snapshot of Women in Hydrography’.

This area of study is very relevant for our region and members of our society. The Panel’s assessment of your detailed submission noted that this is a topical and very worthwhile thesis as it is likely to contribute to addressing diversity in the hydrographic (and broader) spatial industry. A better understanding of the barriers that prevent women from entering the profession will allow the industry to identify and quantify these barriers so as to develop smarter policy responses, thereby eliminating any perceived or actual barriers. One reviewer noted that “Emily may have taken a significant academic risk by not taking a conventional approach to researching and/or addressing a technical problem, and she should be commended for taking on such a significant topic.”

Kia ora,

I'm Emily, a fourth-year Bachelor of Surveying student at the University of Otago. I've found a passion for hydrography through my studies at university and took on a SURV 470 Professional Project focussed on women in hydrography. Just 25% of qualified hydrographers are women, and I was interested in delving into the reasons why. My project, Breaking Waves, focuses on understanding the barriers that prevent women from pursuing a career in hydrography. This project captures a “snapshot” of women in hydrography from the perspective of myself as a surveying student, the perspective of other females in hydrography and the perspective of employers of hydrographic companies and organisations.


Katie Hughes PhD candidate in Physical Geography at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington


Emily Harrex Bachelor of Surveying student at the University of Otago



2022 AHS Education Award Winner - Daniel Adams

Daniel Adams is the 2022 recipient of the AHS Education Award. Daniel is an Australian citizen who is studying towards a Master of Philosophy - Computer Science at Curtin University, Australia on improving underwater photogrammetric 3D reconstruction processing of shipwreck sites.
Reviewers noted that underwater imaging is relevant to hydrography while also covering a breadth of disciplines and that the complexity of undertaking this type of work cannot be underestimated. While Daniel's work focusses on processing improvements for 3D models to support maritime archaeology, our members may also be interested in how underwater photogrammetry can help us better understand change in other areas such as coral reefs and subsea infrastructure. Daniel is harnessing legacy datasets in his study sites and using newer processing technologies along with supercomputing power to bring greater understanding to the wreck areas chosen, as well as generating workflows that support others who wish to use underwater imaging in their own areas. The Panel enjoyed exploring some of the models Daniel has worked on that are available online, which we think is a fantastic way to share this work as it brings attention to hydrography, photogrametric technology and the opportunities available to those that use it.
Some of the models Daniel has worked on (prior to his application) that members might like to explore are at:

SS Wollongbar II Model: https://skfb.ly/ovHXW

James Matthews Model: https://skfb.ly/ovHXX

Kyrenia Models: https://hive.curtin.edu.au/kyrenia/

Batavia Reef Model from 2019: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/batavia-reef-2019-252984c022ad4308a6edc57362d078df

And a recent presentation Daniel gave is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uLoVfYF6LSA (~35min)

As part of the conditions of the AHS Education Award, Daniel will present to the AHS on his subject in the next 12 months. We look forward to it - congratulations Daniel!

Master of Philosophy - Computer Science at Curtin University


2021 AHS Education Award Winner - Alysha Johnson

Alysha Johnson is the 2021 recipient of the AHS Education Award. Alysha is a New Zealand citizen who is studying towards a PhD at the University of Wollongong, Australia on the geomorphic evolution of oceanic volcanoes. Alysha's research is using bathymetry and geospatial techniques to interpret Norfolk Island and it's marine shelf. Her research seeks to identify bathymetric hazards, reconstruct erosion, and comment on the long-term evolutionary processes that have formed Norfolk Island's modern morphology and possible controls of oceanic volcano evolution in the South-West Pacific.

Reviewers noted that this area of study is highly relevant for our region and members of our society. In her project outline Alysha mentioned volcanic island evolution, bathymetric hazards to shipping, and considerations of the relationship between reefs, water temperature and erosion from wave energy. By using LADS, multibeam and sub-bottom data she will generate new and complete bathymetry in this location, which along with terrestrial work which will enable her to determine the likely future geologic path of this location. Her work has the potential to further our knowledge of the Norfolk Island shelf and in the process identify methods that may be used on other isolated islands in our region, and worldwide.

From Alysha: Thank you very much! This was a wonderful surprise to kick off Friday and will be crucial to help support my fieldwork. Please pass on my thanks to the Education Award Panel for seeing the value in my project.


PhD Student at the University of Wollongong, Australia.


2020 AHS Education Award - Moleni Tu'uholoaki

Moleni Tu'uholoaki is the 2020 recipient of the AHS Education Award. Moleni is a Tongan citizen who is studying towards a PhD at the University of the South Pacific on the subject 'Developing a tropical cyclone inundation forecast system for Tonga'. Reviewers commented that his area of study is highly relevant for the South West Pacific, as it will greatly improve on current methods of inundation forecasting by integrating meteorology and climate effects with measured height data. We also commend his regional collaboration plans with Fiji, Australia, NZ and Tonga, as well as his complete and thorough application.
Congratulations Moleni!

I am currently a PhD Student at the University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji, under the Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development (PaCE-SD) where I am a recipient of the Pacific Scholarship for Excellence in Research and Innovation - 2019. My area of research interest is tropical cyclones, storms surges, numerical modelling, coastal inundation, and early warning systems.

It has been my ambition for an opportunity like this to contribute through research in addressing current challenges brought forward by the anthropogenic climate change to small island nations in the Pacific. Recent studies have shown sea level rise and number of severe cyclones are both increasing in the South Pacific. Hence, frequent coastal inundation from storms will become the new norm for these small island nations. But because it is very expensive to run high weather computing power model in the Pacific, in which coastal inundation from tropical cyclone waves can be better estimated in real time, we propose in this study to use a combination of meta, hydrodynamic and synthetic modelling and some statistical techniques to provide coastal inundations maps for Tonga -these maps will be used for real time warning as well as for long-term planning and preparedness.
I would like to take this opportunity to extend my most sincere gratitude and Malo ‘aupito (thank you in Tongan) to the AHS Education Award Panel for your generous contribution and award. This grant will enable me to purchase new equipment, which will assist in fulfilment of my goal.

I look forward to presenting to the AHS the findings of my research!
Again, Malo ‘aupito….



PhD Student at the University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji.


2018 AHS Education Award Winner - Reenu Toodesh

Towards indicators for prioritizing resurvey frequencies
Non-standard award to align with HYDRO2018 conference


2017 AHS Education Award Winner - Henry Ellis

The Hydrodynamics of Gulf of St Vincent, South Australia


2016 AHS Education Award Winner - Kay Critchell

The AHS Education Award for 2016 has been awarded to Kay Critchell. Kay is a PhD Candidate at the College of Science and Engineering and TropWATER, James Cook University in Townsville, Queensland. The 2016 Award has been provided for her excellent contribution to the hydrographic surveying profession through her project involving research into understanding the impacts, processes and risk to primary consumers by the micro-plastic portion of marine debris. This research into predicting and connecting sources of anthropogenic marine debris, mainly of plastic origin, accumulating in marine and coastal environments around the world, and causing damage to fauna, flora and habitats to ultimately manage the issue of plastic debris pollution utilising hydrographic and oceanographic tools, is considered highly practical and commendable. Her research and development of an advection-diffusion debris model that includes beaching, settling, re-suspension/re-floating, degradation and topographic effects on the wind in near-shore waters has the potential to be applied globally. The further aspect of this research into the permeative effects of plastics in the food chain, the minimisation of risk to food security plus other effects including on tourism, is also worthy. Kay’s research will further contribute to addressing the problem of marine debris in oceans and coastal areas and provide a decision-making framework for environmental managers plus provide risk mapping data for prioritisation of resource allocation and assessments for endangered species. 

The Award was presented to Kay at the 2016 JCU Post-Graduate Conference held the Townsville Campus of James Cook University by John Maschke, Chair, AHS Education Award Panel on 29 September 2016”. 


PhD candidate Kay Critchell receiving her AHS Education Award certificate from John Maschke, 29 September 2016 at JCU Townsville.


2014 AHS Education Award Winner - Carolyn Martin

In 2014 the AHS Education Board received 6 applications from students throughout Australasia. The 2014 AHS Educational Award, by unanimous decision, went to Carolyn Martin from Australia.

Carolyn is a Masters candidate at Curtin University, Perth, Australia where she is researching “3D photogrammetric modeling of SCUBA-accessible shipwrecks” with a view to enhancing divers’ experience and safety by advancing current methods for diver navigation with realistic digital models of dive sites.

Carolyn also holds a position as a Senior Geospatial Office at the Western Australian Department of Mines and Petroleum. She holds a Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Geographic Information Science and has worked in similar positions with governments in Queensland and the Northern Territory.


Carolyn Masters candidate at Curtin University


2012 AHS Education Award Winner - Michelle Linklater

Thirty educational institutions in the Australasian (including Oceania) sphere of influence were advised of the award and were asked to inform their students accordingly. As a result, the AHS Education Board received 6 applications for the 2012 award. The 2012 Educational Award, by unanimous decision, went to Ms. Michelle Linklater from New South Wales

Michelle is a PhD candidate at the University of Wollongong where she is researching “Past and Present Reef Growth at High Latitude Reefs: Implications for Expansion and Refugia”. A refugium (plural – refugia) is an area whose climate remains habitable, especially for rare or endangered species, when that of the surrounding areas has changed.

Michelle holds a first degree – Bachelor of Environmental Science (Advanced) with First Class Honours from the University of Wollongong. Michelle plans to use the money from the Award to assist with the expenses associated with the collection of field data at sea, including high resolution multibeam data around Lord Howe Island and Balls Pyramid.

Michelle is a PhD candidate at the University of Wollongong


2011 AHS Education Award Winner - Emily Todd

Thirty educational institutions in the Australasian (including Oceania) sphere of influence were advised of the award and were asked to inform their students accordingly. As a result, the AHS Education Board received 10 applications for the 2011 award. The applications were submitted by people from a diverse range of activities including Marine law, Fisheries, Geospatial Science, Marine Geophysics & Geology, Marine Biology, Oceanography, Marine Morphology and Hydrography. The 2011 Educational Award, by unanimous decision, went to Ms. Emily Todd from New Zealand who is currently studying the CAT A MSc course at Plymouth University, U.K.

Emily is collecting and analysing multibeam field data together with related acoustic velocity data to determine the effects of errors in acoustic velocity measurements in estuary environments where salinity and temperature vary continuously. It is anticipated that results will allow guidelines to be proposed for the frequency and duration of acoustic casts required during multibeam operation in estuarine areas to supplement surface acoustic measurements in order to maintain the accuracies defined in IHO S44 specifications. Given the widespread use of multibeam systems and perhaps the potential for 'blind' acceptance of the results from such systems as being of high order quality in all environments, the Board felt that Emily’s work had high potential value and is directly related to hydrography.


Emily Todd CAT A MSc at Plymouth University, U.K

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