The naval seafloor engineering research program at California State University, Los Angeles

The Naval Seafloor Engineering Research Program at California State University, Los Angeles, is a result of a 2003 Research and Education grant from the Office of Naval Research. During the past one and a half years, the authors have been working with engineers at the Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center in Port Hueneme, California to conduct research in seafloor engineering. The nature of the research is multifaceted and provides the participating students an opportunity to further their education and conduct research important to the Department of the Navy. The students unanimously agree that it has been a great learning experience and that they have reaped many benefits as a result of their involvement with the Naval Seafloor Engineering Research Program. They have been provided an in-depth view of what Navy engineers actually do in the real world and have reinforced the theories and subjects taught in their engineering coursework. Most importantly, this experience has allowed the student researchers a more informed career choice and has simultaneously exposed them to academic research and professional work important to the Navy. Involvement in the program has allowed them to share their experiences with other students and professionals.