Feature Stories 2025: Isaiah Ortiz '26: Engineering a future in deep-sea robotics

Isaiah Ortiz '26 never imagined he’d be so deeply involved at UMass Dartmouth. A first-generation college student from Acushnet, he originally expected to simply commute to class and head home. Instead, he found himself immersed in research, leadership, and hands-on engineering experiences that are shaping his future in deep-sea robotics. 

As a dual major in electrical and computer engineering, Isaiah is gaining real-world experience through undergraduate research in Dr. John Buck’s signal processing lab and an internship at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, where he's working on acoustic communication for autonomous underwater vehicles. His passion for robotics and ocean technology drives his aspiration to work on deep-sea exploration vehicles like the Alvin submersible. 

His transformation from reserved commuter to student leader and researcher exemplifies what's possible at UMassD.  

Why UMassD?  

"The top reasons I chose UMass Dartmouth are the location and affordability. There's also a great engineering school here with many excellent professors who hold important positions in their fields." 

Is it what you expected?  

"When I started college as a commuter, I expected I would come to campus for class and go home. During my second semester, I started getting more involved. Now, I'm part of the Honors Council, the IDEA Club, the Admissions Ambassadors, and I'm an Orientation Leader. I also recently started a new club on campus, the UMassD Bowling Club.  

"I never thought I'd be doing any of this. I've been opened up to so many opportunities I couldn’t be happier about."  

How has getting involved on campus shaped your college experience?  

"Through campus involvement I've met so many new people, found new opportunities, and grown as a person. 

"I never expected being an Orientation Leader would be my kind of thing, but I love being that person new students can turn to for help when they arrive on campus. I consider myself introverted, but I have developed the skills to be more outgoing and be a leader. It's made me realize I'm capable of more than I thought and given me great skills for my future career." 

"I never thought I'd be doing any of this. I've been opened up to so many opportunities I couldn’t be happier about."

What drew you to your major? What do you like most about it? 

"I graduated from Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School, and my teachers there got me interested in electronics and robotics. I started as an electrical engineering major, and learned I could add a degree in computer engineering with only a few more credits and no extra cost or time.  

"The professors in our department are my favorite part of being an electrical and computer engineering major. Our professors are extremely helpful, even outside of office hours. I never have to say, 'I wish I knew about that,' because they are always communicating with us about opportunities for research and internships.  

"I also love the team aspect of our department. We're all friends outside of class; we hang out in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Lounge in between classes, and we help each other."   

Tell us about your research. What's it like working with Dr. Buck? 

"I'm a member of Dr. Buck’s signal processing research group. I took advantage of UMassD's  Undergraduate Research Incentive Program (URIP) which funded my position.  It's been a great first research experience. Initially I was nervous because I was a sophomore and new to that level of research, but Dr. Buck was very helpful.  

Tell us about your internship at WHOI 

"I am currently interning at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) under Colin Ryan and Dr. Buck. Colin Ryan is a former research student from Dr. Buck's signal processing lab. He now works in the acoustic communications group at WHOI.  

"The title of my research project is 'In-Water Validation of Sound Pressure Level Estimates for Underwater Cognitive Router Applications,' and it's focused on improving underwater communication by testing how well a MicroModem can estimate background noise in the ocean.  

"By understanding this noise and other key factors, we can help predict the best signal strength and encoding needed for clear communication between autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and researchers. Our project aims to ensure these underwater systems can reliably exchange data, even in noisy environments. 

"I also learned a lot about the blue economy and technology like Alvin, a submersible research vehicle that travels 6,500 meters below the surface, manned with two scientists and a pilot.  

"I've loved learning about acoustics, but I'm even more excited about working with underwater robotics in the future."  

Advice for future Corsairs? 

"Get involved on campus. Trying just one thing can make a big difference in your college experience."