Clifford R. Merz

Clifford R. Merz is a Senior Scientific Research Faculty member at the University of South Florida's College of Marine Science (CMS), where he has served for over 23 years. He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Science from USF and is the Program and HF Radar Operations Director for the Coastal Ocean Monitoring and Prediction System (COMPS). His research focuses on ocean engineering, renewable energy technologies, and marine-based sustainable systems. Merz is also the founder and president of Dialytics, Inc., a startup commercializing water-food-energy nexus technologies, including chitosan-based membranes and algae production for biofuels and bioplastics.

Merz has held leadership roles such as Commissioner for the City of Safety Harbor, former President of the USF Chapter of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), and current Chairman of the Marine Technology Society’s Marine Renewable Energy Committee. He has received the Florida League of Cities Home Rule Hero Award (2014) and is a NAI Senior Member (2020).

Education: Ph.D. (2008, USF), M.S. (1995, Florida Atlantic University), M.S. (1986, University of Connecticut), B.S. (1984, Florida Atlantic University).

Research interests include salinity gradient power, marine bio-waste reuse, and ocean observation systems. His work integrates academia with private-sector entrepreneurship, emphasizing technology commercialization. He has led projects funded by NOAA/IOOS and the National Science Foundation (NSF I-CORPS).

Grants and projects include COMPS program leadership, SECOORA research, and NSF I-CORPS mentorship. Merz’s contributions span marine technology, policy, and sustainable innovation, bridging scientific and societal needs.