Glassboro, N.J. – Seaperch Robotics is growing! 34 middle and 19 high school teams, a total of 53 teams competed on Saturday, April 18th, when Rowan University and the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., sponsored the Third New Jersey Regional SeaPerch competition from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Rowan’s Esbjornson Gym and College of Engineering building, Glassboro, N.J.

SeaPerch, an underwater robotics program, integrates science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curricula by providing students the resources needed to construct an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), according to NAVAIR Lakehurst’s Educational Outreach Office Representative Haidy Oliveira.

“Students learn basic engineering and science concepts while being introduced to design and have fun in the process,” said Dr. Steven Chin, Rowan University’s College of Engineering Associate Dean. “It’s exciting to see the competition and see kids succeed, especially when they’re learning something in the process.”

Competitors brought their ROVs to Rowan’s Esbjornson pool, where they competed in two separate pool competitions; obstacle course and finesse course. They were judged on speed, navigation, finesse, creativity and design. Students also displayed their marketing skills by presenting their designs to a panel of judges. Middle and High School division winners received the opportunity to compete at the National SeaPerch competition in Dartmouth, MA. NAVAIR’s Educational Outreach office provides a stipend to the first place winners traveling to Nationals.

Engineers from NAVAIR supported the competition by serving as judges and advisors. They included: William Leach, David Asselin, Charles Boysel, Gaetan Mangano, George Lehaff, Winston Moy, Kyle Hart and Lonnie Snyder.

During the competition, students also had the opportunity to learn about Rowan’s College of Engineering, touring the Rowan Hall engineering building and meeting current engineering students.