Bridging the Gap: Turning Research into Real-World Solutions
Dive into the cutting edge of ocean innovation with this dynamic panel featuring leading faculty innovators from the University of Washington who are transforming research into real-world impact. From carbon capture sustainable water reclamation, and underwater sonar advancement, these innovators are bridging the gap between academic discovery and applied solutions.
Join us for an inspiring conversation that explores how UW researchers are tackling some of the ocean’s most pressing challenges. Panelists will share their insights on navigating the path from the lab to the marketplace and bringing visionary research out of the university and into the word. Whether you’re a student, academic, entrepreneur, or ocean enthusiast, this session will spark new ways of thinking about scientific research, sustainability, and the future of our oceans.
Panelists:
🌊 Alex Gagnon Associate Professor, School of Oceanography | Co-Founder and CEO, Banyu Carbon
Alex is a geochemist whose research explores how marine organisms build their skeletons and how these processes record changes in ocean chemistry and climate. His work on biomineralization helps reconstruct past ocean conditions and predict how coral reefs and other calcifiers will respond to ocean acidification. Through innovative lab techniques and field studies, Gagnon bridges the gap between microscopic processes and global environmental change. He is also a co-founder of Banyu Carbon, a climate tech startup focused on ocean-based carbon dioxide removal, where he applies his scientific expertise to scalable solutions for carbon sequestration.
💧 Mari Winkler John R. Kiley Endowed Professor, Civil & Environmental Engineering
Mari specializes in environmental biotechnology and microbial ecology, focusing on sustainable water reclamation and resource recovery. Her research integrates reactor design, microbial modeling, and advanced treatment technologies to improve wastewater and sludge management. Winkler’s work has earned international recognition, including the prestigious Marie Curie Fellowship, and supports the development of low-energy, high-efficiency systems for nutrient removal and recovery.
🔊 Steve Kahle Senior Principal Engineer, Applied Physics Laboratory
Steve Kahle leads advanced sonar and embedded systems development at UW’s Applied Physics Lab. With over two decades of experience translating engineering concepts into commercial and research applications, Kahle has contributed to innovations in underwater acoustics, battery systems, and data performance. He mentors students and collaborates across disciplines to design technologies that support ocean exploration and environmental monitoring.