Tom Kwasnitschka

Tom Kwasnitschka is a permanent scientist in the DeepSea Monitoring group at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel since 2025, with prior roles at GEOMAR's Technology and Logistics Center (2016-2024) and the ROBEX Helmholtz Alliance (2013-2016). He leads projects like LIGHTHOUSE, MOMO, and MUSE, focusing on deep-sea robotics, 3D photogrammetry, and immersive data visualization. He also serves as a lecturer at Kiel University of Applied Sciences since 2010.

• Education: PhD in Marine Geology (2012, GEOMAR) on submarine volcanism in Cape Verde; Diploma in Geology/Paleontology (2009, Christian-Albrechts University Kiel).

His research spans physical volcanology of submarine systems, tephrostratigraphy, and deep-sea technology. His work integrates 3D modeling, optical and acoustic mapping, and virtual environments for marine exploration. Key projects include digital seafloor reconstruction and deep-sea camera systems.

Recent publications focus on hydrothermal vent mapping, volcanic hazard analysis, and immersive fieldwork simulations, reflecting trends in multi-disciplinary marine research and underwater robotics.

• Awards: AGU Outstanding Student Paper Award (2011)

Grants include MUSE (0.15M€), SPP2100 ASDDSA (0.29M€), and Helmholtz Validation Fund LIGHTHOUSE (2.37M€). He has led 13 oceanographic cruises using vessels like RV Alkor and RV Poseidon. As co-founder of allsky.de (2003-2023), he advanced immersive media for science communication. His patents include deep-sea camera stabilization and submersible LED systems.