UTIC Advances Workforce Development with Sonar Technology Training

From The Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium, June 4, 2025 

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. – Over 100 Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium (UTIC) member company employees recently completed a successful sonar training course through a partnership with the University of Rhode Island (URI). The partnership, aimed at strengthening the defense technology workforce, allowed UTIC members to take the Principles of Sonar, Underwater Sound, and Undersea Systems Course for non-credit during the Spring 2025 semester. Several URI graduate students also completed the course for credit.  The course was offered virtually and in person. 

“Access to targeted education and technical training is essential in a field where the pace of technology change is increasing,” said UTIC Chief Executive Officer Molly Donohue Magee. “Our mission is to enable member organizations with the tools, knowledge, and resources to stay competitive and advance their technology.” 

Led by Dr. John Short—a nationally recognized expert in sonar and undersea systems—the program provided valuable insights and knowledge transfer to both emerging professionals and longtime engineers. Dr. Short emphasized the importance of initiatives like this in sharing and advancing expertise across generations. 

“This course represents more than just professional development—it’s an investment in the future of our industry,” said Dr. Short. “Continued education gives industry professionals the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned to their own work and to build on existing and emerging innovations. With a focus on both practical application and fundamental principles, this course provided students with technical skills, hands-on experience, and an understand of lessons learned.” 

Principles of Sonar, Underwater Sound, and Undersea Systems is a graduate-level course that introduces the core concepts of sonar technology, underwater acoustics, and undersea system engineering. Students explore active and passive sonar design, acoustic modeling, and ocean environment fundamentals. Emphasis is placed on practical applications, including performance estimation, system tradeoffs, and the value of in-water testing. The course will be offered again in the Spring 2026 semester.