For Kaitlin Noyes, some of the most meaningful moments in her work come when students realise careers in science and technology may be within reach.

Over the past decade at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, she has worked closely with young people through programmes focused on marine science, robotics and engineering.

“I have seen what happens when educational opportunity is paired with sustained investment,” said Ms Noyes, director of education and community engagement at ASU Bios. “Programmes grow, ambition expands and, most importantly, students begin to envision futures they may never have imagined for themselves.”

Her work centres on the Ocean Academy, Bios’s education initiative that introduces young people to Stem subjects — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — through fieldwork, mentorship and technical training.

“My goal is to develop local programmes that give students access to the tools, mentorship and practical context they need to explore Stem fields,” Ms Noyes said. “My aim is not only to help students gain technical proficiency but also cultivate their confidence, agency and long-term academic ambition.”

Among the institute’s best-known programmes is Mid-Atlantic Robotics In Education (Marine), which introduces people between the ages of 10 and 22 to robotics, engineering and underwater technology.

Supported by RenaissanceRe and Hannover Re, the programme has reached more than 1,500 public and private school students, all of whom have the opportunity to design and test underwater robots through workshops and field exercises alongside scientists and engineers.

For some, the programme becomes an early step towards future careers.

Zoë Mir described the experience as unlike anything she had encountered in a traditional classroom.

“[It] was a fun and informative hands-on experience that not only fuelled my curiosity for robotics and marine science but enabled me to explore these interests in a way no other programme or class could,” she said.

“I spent a week with a tight-knit group of passionate students learning from experts in every field of marine robotics; we learnt in-depth about computer-aided design, coding, marine processes, physical computing and hands-on design.”

One of the highlights for her was the opportunity to learn directly from professionals working in marine robotics.

“Learning from and speaking with professionals at ASU Bios while building my own designs and exploring the underwater world has been a life-changing experience which will guide my future career path,” she said.

Zahari Burgess joined Marine in 2024, designing and deploying his own underwater robots as part of the course. His aptitude was quickly recognised by programme co-ordinators, leading to an opportunity to return later that year to work on collaborative research projects.

Last summer, he was back as an intern.

“My internship focused on underwater robotics and surveillance systems,” Zahari said. “I learnt about designing underwater cameras, lighting systems and transmitting data through fibre optics.”

Now studying nuclear engineering at Ontario Tech University in Canada, he said his experience at ASU Bios helped to make those goals feel achievable.

Kyan Oakley joined Marine at 15 and was invited back as an intern to work on deep-sea sampling projects. He is at present studying mechanical engineering with a concentration in robotics at Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania.

“I really enjoyed the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects and use my engineering skills,” Kyan said. “It was exciting to tackle real-world problems.”

Parents have also seen the impact of the programme first-hand.

Jessica Gorman said her daughter loved the mix of technical learning and opportunities to interact directly with scientists on campus.

“She came home each day brimming with enthusiasm, as excited about building her underwater robot as she was about the conversations she had over lunch with ASU Bios scientists, who generously shared both their knowledge and scientific passion with the students,” Ms Gorman said.

“Living in Bermuda, we are so lucky to have one of the world’s most significant marine research institutions in our backyard. Here in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, children’s daily lives are closely intertwined with the ocean, as are their futures.”

Long-term corporate support has helped to keep the programme accessible.

“We are proud to support the Marine programme, which provides students in Bermuda with the opportunity to gain hands-on scientific experience and meaningful exposure to innovative technologies, strengthening their knowledge in robotics as well as marine research and conservation,” said Angela A’Zary, of RenaissanceRe.

Hannover Re also views its support as an investment in Bermuda’s future

“Expanding access to hands-on Stem learning helps equip young Bermudians with the skills, confidence and exposure needed to pursue meaningful careers in science and technology,” Andrew Simons said.

As this year’s programme gets under way, Ms Noyes said ASU Bios remains focused on giving young Bermudians practical experience in Stem-related fields.

“At ASU Bios, we continue to build an educational foundation that reflects Bermuda’s potential, while giving back to the community we have proudly served for over 100 years,” she said.

“We remain committed not only to educating the next generation of scientists, but also to nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.”

• For more information, visitbios.asu.edu