MIDDLETOWN, RI — The Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance (SENEDIA) and the Undersea Technology Innovation Center (UTIC) have announced that they will be hosting a TECH TALK by Dr. Sandra Whitehouse on Friday, June 9th. Dr. Whitehouse will discuss smart ocean planning for a sustainable future.  This is the latest in a series of technology talks designed to expose, explore and share undersea and maritime technologies, applications and opportunities.

SENEDIA announced the event in the following news release on May 22nd;

On Friday, June 9, 2017, the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance (SENEDIA) and the Undersea Technology Innovation Center (UTIC), a Rhode Island-based hub for national undersea technology excellence, are hosting a TECH TALK by Dr. Sandra Whitehouse who will discuss smart ocean planning for a sustainable future.  This is the latest in a series of technology talks designed to expose, explore and share undersea and maritime technologies, applications and opportunities.

Dr. Whitehouse will discuss her observations and share her perspectives on this important topic.  Cities, states and countries around the world are turning to the ocean for more food and energy.  Yet, the development of the “blue economy” must be done sustainably and be respectful of existing ocean stakeholders and our ecological resources.  Dr. Whitehouse will explore her thoughts on how all participants in the ocean and maritime community can – and should – collaborate and coordinate efforts to ensure the type of development and exploitation of our resources are done in a way that promotes healthy economic development, and as importantly, protects our natural resources and ensures a thriving ocean ecosystem, now and in the future.

Rhode Island has many companies, universities and institutions that comprise our ocean cluster.  All involved should have a role in actively engaging in smart ocean plans for state and regional waters, as part of our approach to ocean sustainability.

Dr. Whitehouse is a long time environmental advocate and consultant who has served for over twenty years as an ocean policy advisor to multiple organizations and institutions, using her marine science expertise to advise clients on a variety of issue including how to advance ocean health and sustainably develop coastal offshore projects.

The June 9 event will be held at BRIX Restaurant at Newport Vineyards, located at 909 East Main Road, Middletown, RI.  Registration, breakfast and networking begin at 8 AM EDT; Tech Talk begins at 8:30 AM EDT.  The cost of the event is $40.   Event information is available on both the SENEDIA and UTIC web sites.  Registration is through the SENEDIA web site (www.SENEDIA.org).

SENEDIA is Southeastern New England’s catalyst for thought leadership and innovation in undersea technology, cybersecurity and defense technologies.  The organization is focused on providing its members and the region with the latest information about opportunities in the defense and homeland security sectors and facilitates economic and workforce development opportunities.

The Undersea Technology Innovation Center, a strategic partner of SENEDIA, is a collaborative consortium promoting the rapid development, testing, prototyping and commercialization of innovative undersea technology as well as advance learning for commercial, academic, and defense organizations.

For more information on the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance, visit www.SENEDIA.org.

For more information on the Undersea Technology Innovation Center, visit www.UnderseaTech.org .