Skinner Receives 2026 IEEE OES Mid-Career Rising Star Award
Associate Professor Katie Skinner of Stony Brook University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering has received the
2026 Mid-Career Rising Star Award from the IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society (OES) in recognition of her contributions and future potential in Autonomous Marine Systems.
The award was presented September 1–3 at the AUV2026 Symposium in Southampton, UK. Presented by the IEEE OES Autonomous Maritime Systems Technology Committee, the award recognizes mid-career researchers and faculty members who have made significant contributions to ocean engineering and maritime robotics and demonstrated strong technical leadership and potential for continued impact.
Skinner’s research focuses on perception and machine learning for marine robotics, advancing technologies that enable autonomous systems to better understand and operate in complex ocean environments.
“I am very honored to receive this award and would like to thank IEEE OES and the Autonomous Maritime Systems Technology Committee for this acknowledgement,” said Skinner.
Held every two years, the AUV Symposium brings together the marine robotics community to share research and foster collaboration. The 2026 symposium featured work on autonomous underwater vehicles, autonomous surface vessels, underwater gliders, and Lagrangian floats, with an emphasis on field robotics and real-world deployments.
Skinner’s recognition highlights the strength of Stony Brook Mechanical Engineering program in advancing robotics, autonomy, and intelligent systems for marine environments.