Gero Nootz

Dr. Gero Nootz is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ocean Engineering at the University of Southern Mississippi. His research focuses on ocean optics, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and underwater LIDAR systems. He has over 15 years of experience in optical system design, with recent emphasis on free-space light propagation modeling and sensor development for small autonomous platforms. Dr. Nootz holds a PhD from the University of Central Florida (2010) and teaches courses including Ocean Engineering Computer Methods, Marine Instrumentation, and Professional Skills for Ocean Engineers.

His expertise spans ocean engineering instrumentation, with notable work in fusion of AUV-mounted LIDAR and sonar data (2023), trajectory prediction for autonomous vehicles using neural networks (2022), and novel beam propagation studies in turbulent underwater environments (2017-2020). His research integrates experimental and numerical methods to address challenges in ocean exploration and marine robotics.

Dr. Nootz leads the Ocean Exploration Lab, advancing technologies for subsea sensing and navigation. His publications demonstrate interdisciplinary strengths in optical turbulence characterization, semiconductor photonics, and sensor fusion strategies for marine applications. Key contributions include developing adjustable aquaculture systems (2022) and mechanisms for buoyant payload deployment (2020).