Creating an underwater acoustics education and outreach network

Underwater acoustics is an interdisciplinary field at the nexus of multiple science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Due to this diversity, there are unique challenges in recruitment and retention. The need to expand underwater acoustics education and training capabilities and increase and strengthen the workforce creates an urgency to collectively address these needs together (NASEM, 2024). Learning from the success of the National Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence (COSEE) Network, which integrated ocean sciences research and education by involving scientists, educators, and outreach professionals, the Discovery Of Sound In The Sea (DOSITS) team is seeking to develop partnerships to form a network of underwater acoustics education and outreach groups. The network will work together to decide priority actions, which could include an inventory of existing programs and/or a gap analysis to highlight resource and workforce needs. The network could crosswalk programs and activities between traditional STEM disciplines and underwater acoustics to facilitate integration and construct examples of preparation pathways into jobs. To further expand recruitment and underwater acoustics awareness, the network will create outreach opportunities for formal and informal learners and educators, as well as design networking events and mentorship opportunities to share resources and develop a community.