Amy Kukulya

I conceptualize and design innovative autonomous underwater robot architecture for the purpose of advancing science and exploration in the ocean. Systems that I am interested in are underwater docking, navigation, communications and underwater archaeology. My latest passion is developing and operating underwater technology for tracking pelagic marine life in three-dimensional space. I am a project leader on SharkCam which has become a huge success and is changing the way scientists study ocean creatures like white sharks, turtles and eventually whales! This project, funded by Discovery Channel, is also a great way to ignite curiosity in young and aspiring engineers. That just sweetens the overall scope of my job. But, if I had to describe a 'typical' day, it would include some project development/proposal writing (bringing in new work and new imagining capabilities), testing and integrating sensor packages on autonomous underwater vehicles like cameras, sonar and many other oceanographic sensors, then testing them in the waters of Cape Cod in preparation for an expedition somewhere in the world. Several times a year I travel and lead expeditions ranging from under-ice operations, fish and scallop surveys and even many Navy projects.

I didn't choose engineering, it chose me. I started out studying the biological sciences, particularly plankton ecology. I came to realize that doing good science required big, out-of-the-box ideas that benefited from doing things smarter, cheaper, faster, etc. It quickly became clear to me that engineering was a better fit for my skills and creativity. I didn't find this out in school. I realized it while I was looking under a microscope trying to count individual plankton. There is always a better way of doing things, but I wanted to be part of a think tank of individuals who get paid to be innovative. That is when I ended up working on underwater robots. They are like underwater aircraft carriers that can go places where people can't and they can carry almost anything, often making new discoveries. My job is fun, inventive, challenging and rewarding.

I graduated from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey and also studied at University of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, and the Spanish-American Institute of International Education (SAIIE) in Seville Spain. I have a B.S. in Environmental Policy.

Typical activities may include boating and launching/recovering/operating complex oceanographic equipment in a water environment, programming vehicles and sensors, using soldering irons, oscilloscopes, and multimeters on robotic systems to troubleshoot, analyzing data, writing papers, giving oral presentations, mentoring/training staff and writing proposals.

I love being part of a team that can throw ideas around the table and then take the best ideas and make them into something novel and useable. Then I love taking the component/creation and making it better for next time. There is always a way to do something better and there is always a next time. Innovation leads to new opportunities and it is the constant surprise of what the opportunity may be that makes being an engineer a truly enjoyable and fulfilling job.

Having the courage to start my own company and make the positive impact in society that I've always dreamed of!  And I also got to throw out the first pitch for a Boston Red Sox game when I represented my previous company at a game in 2019!  

Three things. The first is not studying engineering in school and back pedaling a bit to build the framework I needed. But I am a hands-on learner and there is nothing like being thrown in the fire and also being given an opportunity to be tested. Being curious, driven and tenacious helped get me through the learning curve and thrive. The second greatest challenge was purely just being a woman and held back. I was, for many years, the only female on a job site and being one of only a few that came before me in my job. No woman ever reached the top of the engineering ladder at my previous employer, so I took the big leap to make change and started my own company.  New challenges come with that, but at least I can grow and be happy.  Happiness is priceless.  The third was staying in Academia too long.  It took me a long time to realize that an entrepreneurial spirit thrives best in industry.  And I still get to help Academia with innovation challenges which I enjoy. Stay true to yourself!

Awesome, supportive, fun, smart people from my grandparents who taught me to love a lifestyle on the water to my parents who supported me in all my endeavors may it be AmeriCorps or Taekwondo -to my incredible spouse and son, plus one on the way! They are my anchor, my everything.

My short-term goals are to bring the 3D AUV tracking capability to the next level by make underwater robots more capable and affordable.  Having invented SharkCam with colleagues, I led innovation for on that system for 12 years but now it sits on a shelf.  I want to make tools that many people can use and benefit from.   I want to help scientists and conservationists get the tools they need to answer questions that will help save threatened and endangered species. And I would love to make more science programming to inspire young people. My 10+year goal would be to grow my LLC and non-profit so they can sustain themselves with great people besides myself.  Success will be when I can take a vacation and not worry about work.

The desire to be happy, fulfilled and successful has the greatest influence on my life choices. Family, particularly my grandmother taught me to be proud, determined, respectful, and strong.

I would say if you are considering engineering, take the courses. Take lots of math, it is the most useful skill/knowledge base you can have in life. But, more importantly, get your hands dirty. Learn how to take things apart and put them back together. Be confident. Speak up. Have fun. Remember that the greatest risks often come with the greatest rewards. If you want something but the attainment of it scares you, it’s probably the right thing to do. Go get it!

If you want something but the attainment of it scares you, it’s probably the right thing to do.

I am incredibly active, so are my friends and family. I love sleeping outside. I have two boats. One that I use for predawn trips to pick up my lobster pots or to perhaps catch a stripped bas. The other, bigger boat is more of a destination. I can go sit on the boat and hang out on the mooring reading a book or just reflect on the day's events. It also takes my family and me to hidden coves and islands in the Elizabeth's Islands. Cape Cod is a great place to live, especially if you love the ocean! I really love foraging for my own food, usually fruits and veggies, fish, shellfish, eggs from our chickens and honey from our bees.