Alumni Judy and Mike Gaulke’s generous donation will pave the way for interdisciplinary research and development in oceanography and artificial intelligence.
Oregon State University has received a transformative $20 million gift from alumni Judy and Mike Gaulke. The Gaulke Center for Marine Innovation and Technology, made possible by this generous donation, will spearhead groundbreaking research and development in technology aimed at better understanding, protecting, and utilizing the ocean and its environment. With a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration between oceanography and artificial intelligence, the center will leverage Oregon State University’s global distinction in oceanography and its strength and depth in engineering to drive technological innovation in ocean research.
The Michael and Judith Gaulke Chair in Ocean Innovation
The Gaulkes’ gift includes funding to establish the Michael and Judith Gaulke Chair in Ocean Innovation. This prestigious position will serve as the executive director of the Gaulke Center and hold a joint faculty appointment in the OSU colleges of Engineering and Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences. The chair will play a pivotal role in leading and guiding the center’s research initiatives and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Start-up Funding and Support for Faculty and Graduate Students
In addition to the endowed chair, the Gaulkes’ gift provides start-up funding for the Gaulke Center, ensuring a strong foundation for its operations. The funds will also support faculty and graduate students, enabling them to pursue innovative research projects in the field of marine innovation and technology. Furthermore, the gift includes funding for early-stage research or projects that may be considered too risky to receive other types of funding, but hold significant potential impact.
Leveraging Advanced Technologies and Collaborative Spaces
The Gaulke Center for Marine Innovation and Technology will take advantage of the resources offered by the Jen-Hsun and Lori Huang Collaborative Innovation Complex. This state-of-the-art research and education facility will house a powerful supercomputer and promote team-based approaches to solving global challenges in areas such as oceanography, climate science, sustainability, and water resources. The center will leverage advanced technologies, such as unmanned robotic systems equipped with artificial intelligence, to explore and study under ice shelves and aid in measuring glacier ice melt.
A Lifelong Love for the Ocean
Judy and Mike Gaulke’s passion for the ocean and their desire to address the pressing challenges it faces drove their decision to make this significant gift. Having had the opportunity to sail, dive, and swim in oceans around the world, they have witnessed firsthand the dramatic changes occurring within their lifetime, from the disappearance of sharks to coral bleaching. The Gaulkes believe that Oregon State University is the ideal place to invest in creating solutions for these challenges and hope that their gift will inspire others to join in this important endeavor.
A Legacy of Giving
The Gaulkes, both alumni of Oregon State University, have a long history of philanthropy and support for their alma mater. In 2012, they established the first endowed chair in the College of Engineering’s School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Their most recent gift is a testament to their deep love for the ocean and their commitment to caring for its future. Their generosity exemplifies the power of combining donors’ passions with the strengths of the university.
Conclusion:
The Gaulke Center for Marine Innovation and Technology at Oregon State University is poised to become a hub of cutting-edge research and development in oceanography and artificial intelligence. Thanks to the transformative $20 million gift from alumni Judy and Mike Gaulke, the center will drive interdisciplinary collaboration, foster technological innovation, and address pressing challenges related to the ocean and its environment. With the Gaulkes’ profound commitment and love for the oceans, the center will be at the forefront of creating solutions that will help us better understand, protect, and utilize our planet’s most vital resource.
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