FAU's Michael Twardowski, Ph.D., Named Edwin A. Link Endowed Professor

Michael Twardowski, Ph.D., the first endowed professor at Florida Atlantic's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. (Photo by Alex Dolce)

Michael Twardowski, Ph.D., an internationally recognized expert in optical oceanography and marine sensing technologies, has been named the Edwin A. Link Ocean Technology and Defense Endowed Professor at Florida Atlantic University 's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. This first endowed professorship at FAU Harbor Branch was made possible through the generous support of the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation, Inc., which has helped advance groundbreaking oceanographic research and education at FAU for decades.

Twardowski is a research professor at FAU Harbor Branch and director of the Center for Marine Applied Technology and Engineering, where he leads multidisciplinary research at the intersection of ocean science, engineering and advanced sensing technologies. For more than 30 years, his work has focused on developing innovative optical technologies and applying them to some of the most challenging problems in marine science, environmental monitoring and national defense.

"Endowed professorships are among the most powerful investments the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation can make in the future of ocean science," said Cara Perry, chair of the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors and vice president of FAU's Division of University Communications. "The foundation is proud to recognize and support Dr. Twardowski, whose pioneering research, collaborative approach and commitment to developing advanced technologies embody Harbor Branch's longstanding legacy of innovation and exploration. His work reflects the same spirit of curiosity and ingenuity that defined Edwin A. Link and continues to inspire Florida Atlantic's Harbor Branch today."

The endowed professorship honors Link - inventor, engineer and ocean explorer - whose technological innovations helped lay the foundation for FAU Harbor Branch's tradition of exploration and discovery. Link is best known for inventing the Link flight simulator, first commercialized in 1929. His invention revolutionized pilot training and was used to train more than 500,000 airmen during World War II. Link ultimately received 27 U.S. patents for his inventions.

Later in life, Link turned his attention from the skies to the depths of the ocean, becoming a pioneer in underwater archaeology, submersibles and marine technology. His engineering expertise and passion for exploration complemented the vision of FAU Harbor Branch's founder, J. Seward Johnson, Sr., who established the institute in 1971 to advance understanding of the ocean through scientific exploration.

Among Link's most significant contributions to ocean exploration was the development of advanced submersibles, including the Johnson-Sea-Link. On Jan. 29, 1971, Link and Johnson launched the submersible at the newly established Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, giving scientists a new capability to explore the deep ocean firsthand.

Link also had a longstanding connection to FAU. In 1965, a grant from the Link Foundation helped FAU establish the nation's first undergraduate ocean engineering program, reflecting his commitment to advancing ocean science and engineering education.

"I am deeply grateful to the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation board for this honor and for its investment in the future of ocean technology at Florida Atlantic," said Twardowski. "This professorship will help me expand our applied research efforts, strengthen collaborations and develop new technologies that address some of the most pressing challenges facing our oceans. I am especially proud to carry the Link name forward as we continue building on his legacy of innovation that has defined FAU Harbor Branch."

For more than 30 years, Twardowski has led the development of optical sensing technologies and their application to a wide range of basic and applied research challenges in marine science and national defense. He has authored more than 130 peer-reviewed publications on topics including remote sensing of optical and biogeochemical properties, bioluminescence, holographic imaging microscopy, biological camouflage, underwater imaging and autonomous monitoring.

Twardowski is also a member of the science team for NASA's PACE mission, where he is working to advance ocean-color algorithms used to better understand ocean ecosystems and biogeochemical processes. A key focus of his research is developing partnerships with defense primes and sensor manufacturers to translate innovative ocean-sensing technologies into real-world applications for marine science and national defense.

The appointment strengthens FAU Harbor Branch's longstanding tradition of pairing scientific discovery with technological innovation - a heritage that dates to the institute's founding and the trailblazing work of Johnson and Link.

"Mike Twardowski represents exactly the kind of innovative researcher and scientific leader that an endowed professorship should recognize," said Gregg Fields, Ph.D., FAU vice president for research. "His research is pushing the boundaries of how we observe and understand the ocean while addressing challenges of critical importance to environmental science, climate research, maritime operations and national security. This endowment recognizes his extraordinary accomplishments and contributions to ocean science. As an R1 research institution, Florida Atlantic is committed to investing in world-class researchers whose discoveries and technologies have the potential to make a meaningful impact far beyond our campuses."

-FAU-