Nicholas Makris

Nicholas Makris is a Professor of Mechanical and Ocean Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Director of the Laboratory for Undersea Remote Sensing. His research spans acoustics, remote sensing, ocean ecology, and planetary exploration, with applications ranging from hurricane monitoring to violin acoustics.

• Education:
  • 1983 BS in Physics, MIT
  • 1990 PhD in Ocean Engineering, MIT

Research Interests include expanding sensory limits through acoustic and optical wave propagation, imaging marine life with Ocean Acoustic Waveguide Remote Sensing (OAWRS), and applying statistical estimation to environmental sensing. His work bridges ocean engineering, planetary science, and musical instrument physics.

Scientific Trends in his 15 most recent articles focus on marine ecosystem imaging via OAWRS, perception theory (Weber's Law), Europa ice shell analysis, and violin acoustic evolution. Methodologies emphasize wave propagation, statistical estimation, and nonlinear sensing techniques.

Scientific Awards include the

• Secretary of the Navy/Chief of Naval Operations Scholar of Oceanographic Sciences
• William I. Koch Professor of Marine Technology
• Bose Research Fellowship

Advising & Grants: While no student list is provided, his work involves mentoring through collaborative oceanographic expeditions and grants for OAWRS development and planetary acoustics. He has advised on UN Floating City programs and US fisheries policy.