My name is Dan O’Grady, I am from the great State of Ohio. Presently I am attending Stark State College in North Canton, Ohio. Originally, I’m from a town called Gahanna, just outside the city of Columbus. I was first introduced to MATE my junior year of high school when I signed up for the Underwater Robotics Class. That was an unusual class to have for a high school that was in the middle of farm country. The teacher of that class (who is one of my greatest supporters) was Mr. Donelson. He had created an afterschool club for students who were dedicated and enjoyed Underwater Robotics. As a club, we competed in MATE’s Rover competition. At the time, we were the only high school in Ohio who were competing so we to travel to Michigan for our regionals. We made it to internationals my first year but placed second at regionals my senior year. Now in college I am finishing an Automation Manufacturing Robotics Degree and have been interested in pursuing more with Underwater Robotics. I have been fortunate to be selected by Woods Hole to be an Intern on their Ship R/V Atlantis.
Five Days ago, I finished my last my last final examines for the semester and travel to Virginia where my family just moved for my father’s job in Washington DC. I will be beginning my travels tomorrow, May 16, flying to San Jose, Costa Rica where I will be meeting up with the submarine pilot and electrical technician to travel to Puntarenas and catch a 10:00 launch to the ship. I look forwarding to this opportunity to experience life as an Oceanographic Technician.