FAU names Michael Twardowski Endowed Professor
Michael Twardowski, Ph.D., an internationally recognized expert in optical oceanography and marine sensing technologies, has been appointed the Edwin A. Link Ocean Technology and Defense Endowed Professor at Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. The appointment marks the first endowed professorship at FAU Harbor Branch and was made possible by support from the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation, Inc., which has supported oceanographic research and education at Florida Atlantic for decades.
Twardowski is a research professor at FAU Harbor Branch and director of the Center for Marine Applied Technology and Engineering. He leads multidisciplinary research focused on ocean science, engineering and advanced sensing technologies, with applications 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.”
The professorship honors Edwin A. Link, an inventor, engineer and ocean explorer whose innovations helped shape FAU Harbor Branch’s tradition of exploration and discovery. Link is best known for inventing the Link flight simulator, first commercialized in 1929, and later advanced underwater archaeology, submersibles and marine technology.
Link’s contributions included the development of advanced submersibles, including Johnson-Sea-Link. On Jan. 29, 1971, Link and FAU Harbor Branch founder J. Seward Johnson Sr. launched the submersible at the newly established Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute.
Link also had a longstanding connection to Florida Atlantic. In 1965, a grant from the Link Foundation helped the university establish the nation’s first undergraduate ocean engineering program.
“I am 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,” Twardowski said. “This professorship will help expand our applied research efforts, strengthen collaborations and develop new technologies that address some of the most pressing challenges facing our oceans.”
Over more than three decades, Twardowski has led the development of optical sensing technologies for basic and applied research 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 also is a member of the science team for NASA’s PACE mission, where he works on ocean-color algorithms used to study ocean ecosystems and biogeochemical processes. His research also focuses on partnerships with defense primes and sensor manufacturers to move ocean-sensing technologies into operational use.
The appointment reinforces FAU Harbor Branch’s focus on pairing scientific discovery with technological innovation, a tradition that dates to the institute’s founding and the early 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.”
About Florida Atlantic University:
Florida Atlantic University is one of the nation’s fastest-rising public research universities, serving more than 32,000 students in South Florida. Ranked among the Top 100 Public Universities by U.S. News & World Report, Florida Atlantic is also one of only 13 institutions nationwide to hold Carnegie Foundation designations for R1 research, opportunity and community engagement. Guided by its strategic plan, “2031FAU: Where Tomorrow Begins,” the university is focused on delivering career-ready education and experiential learning, driving scholarly inquiry that creates healthier, safer and more prosperous communities, strengthening institutional excellence, and elevating its impact across South Florida and beyond. Florida Atlantic continues to advance its position as Florida’s first quantum university, integrating research, education and industry partnerships around next-generation computing technologies. Through other signature strengths in neuroscience and healthy aging, environmental, ocean and coastal innovation, and national defense and autonomous systems, Florida Atlantic expands knowledge, fuels economic opportunity and fulfills its mission as South Florida’s hometown university.
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