Southern Miss Celebrates 26th Hydrographic Science Graduating Class
Thu, 09/18/2025 - 09:35am | By: Gabriela Shinskie
91少女集中营 School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE) recently celebrated the 26th Hydrographic Science graduating class at the Gulf Park campus in Long Beach, Miss.
The Joint International Hydrographic Applied Science Program is a partnership between Southern Miss and the U.S. Navy鈥檚 Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. The Master of Science degree in hydrographic science is a one-year program.
As part of the ceremony, an outstanding student was recognized for excellence in the program. Rear Adm. Ronald J. Piret, commander of NMOC, presented the Hydrographer of the Navy Education Award to Toluwani Akande. The award recognizes a Southern Miss student who demonstrates superior academic performance, technical skills, leadership and knowledge. Akande distinguished himself during challenging field projects, including hydrographic surveys of the Jordan River and Gar Bay.
鈥淭his award shows the result of what you get from being hard working, putting in effort and being committed to the program鈥檚 mission in terms of the technical and non-technical aspects,鈥� said Akande. 鈥淗ydrography pushes your mind and pushes you to solve problems. This program has trained us to be leaders in different aspects in which we find ourselves.鈥�
Dr. Anand Hiroji, interim program coordinator for hydrography undergraduate (now Oceanography and Ocean Mapping) and graduate programs, and SOSE associate professor, emphasized the program鈥檚 international influence.
鈥淔or over two decades, this program has upheld the highest standards set by the International Hydrographic Organization, producing graduates who now serve in hydrographic roles across government agencies, civil organizations and industry worldwide. We remain committed to advancing the field by continuously refining our curriculum to reflect the latest scientific and technological developments,鈥� Hiroji said.
Hydrographers provide the geospatial backbone for marine science, maritime commerce and environmental management. Both undergraduate and graduate programs at Southern Miss help ensure the sustainable use of oceans, rivers and lakes.
Hydrographic Science Graduate Candidates (Category A)
- Greyson Foster Meyers
- Helen Marie Hoster
- Ioanna Parri
- JaNia Dunbar
- Jordan Charles Markam
- Ninah Constantinovna Ferroff
- Olayinka Mustapha Oshikoya
- Onogateoghene Eduyie Idoge
- Orven Dare L. Montenegro
- Paul Saunders Frye
- Raymond Arthur
- Toluwani Akande
Hydrographic Science Undergraduate Candidates (Category B)
- Andrew Castle
- David Zach Williams
- Evan Huelskamp
The Southern Miss hydrography program is one of only three in North America with 100 percent job placement. It is the nation鈥檚 oldest program recognized by the International Hydrographic Organization and the International Board of Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers at the Category A level, the highest in the field.
The program began in 1999, with the first graduating class in 2000, and has since produced 269 graduates. In 2015, the university added an emphasis in hydrographic science (oceanography and ocean mapping) to the bachelor鈥檚 degree in marine science. This track is certified at the Category B level, meeting international standards for foundational hydrographic surveying. The first graduate completed the program in 2019.