PICRC Staff attends MATE ROV Academy Workshop to strengthen underwater robotics education in Palau

Communications & Outreach Officer, Lucy Dickie, from the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC), participated in the MATE ROV Academy Introductory Level Workshop: Underwater Robotics & Engineering Design held in Savannah, Georgia from November 15-16, 2025.

The two-day training, hosted at the Georgia Institute of Technology and sponsored by the MATE ROV Academy, provided participants with a hands-on introduction to underwater robotics and engineering design for educational settings. The workshop was funded through a grant from the National Science Foundation.

During the workshop, participants learned key skills in assembling and operating the Pufferfish ROV kit, including soldering and wiring components, designing and building an ROV frame, and conducting safety checks and pool testing. The training also covered effective approaches for teaching these STEM concepts to students and educators.

In addition to technical training, the workshop introduced participants to the regional and international MATE ROV competitions, which engage students in real-world ocean technology challenges. Understanding the structure and goals of these competitions will support PICRC’s efforts to expand science and technology learning opportunities for Palau’s youth.

Lucy returned with a full Pufferfish ROV toolkit and textbook provided by the program, which will support the Center’s initiative to implement underwater robotics activities with teachers and students in Palau.

“This workshop offered practical skills and a clear pathway for developing engaging, hands-on robotics programs for Palau’s classrooms,” Lucy said. “I’m excited to share what I learned and help introduce local students and teachers to ocean technology and engineering.”

PICRC looks forward to incorporating these new tools and knowledge into its education and outreach programs, fostering the next generation of ocean scientists and innovators in Palau. PICRC extends its sincere thanks to the Georgia Institute of Technology, MATE ROV Academy, and the National Science Foundation for this opportunity, as well as Conservation International for supporting PICRC’s attendance at the workshop.