Webb Institute

16/07/2025

Before setting sail into their big boat-building session, our SEA Academy students took on a unique challenge: designing and constructing wind-powered structures using simple materials like balsa wood, cardboard, and duct tape.

Each day included a lesson and hands-on build, and this one put their engineering instincts to the test. Using balsa wood, cardboard, and duct tape, they constructed towers that had to not only harness wind energy but also withstand real weight loads to test for structural stability. 💪

Fan-powered turbines, multimeters, hanging weights, and a lot of teamwork - this was engineering education at its most dynamic! 🔋⚖️

11/07/2025

What a great first week at Webb Institute's SEA Academy (Summer Engineering Academy)! 🤩

Our future engineers and innovators have already dived deep into hands-on learning. This week, our talented participants designed, built, and tested their own small sailboats right here in our model basin!

⛵️ Watching their creations float (and sometimes sail!) was a fantastic way to learn about hydrodynamics and engineering principles.

The energy and creativity in the lab and by the basin have been amazing! We're so excited to see what these bright minds will achieve next.

Stay tuned for more updates from our SEA Academy!

09/07/2025

We’re thrilled to welcome this year’s first group of future engineers to our campus; with participants joining us from as far as Pittsburgh, Texas, and even Canada!

Over the next two weeks, these bright young minds will dive into hands-on projects, learn the fundamentals of naval architecture and marine engineering, and even build and race their own boats!

Let the creativity (and friendly competition) begin!

02/07/2025

Power from the Waves | Webb Seniors Take Innovation to the Next Level ⚙️💡

Webb seniors Michael Coppi Jr. and Andrew Mullan dove deep into sustainable marine energy for their senior thesis - exploring Oscillating Water Column Wave Energy Converters. Building on the pioneering work of Juliette Lehman ’22 and Sasha Kritsuk ’22, they 3D-printed custom Wells turbines and designed a chamber with an adjustable forward wall to test different wave scenarios in the Robinson Model Basin.

Their findings?

• Adding a second turbine stage = more peak power
• Blade sweep = more consistent output (but slightly lower peak)
• Wall angle = shifts resonance and changes ideal wave conditions
• Wave frequency impacts performance more than amplitude
Innovation through iteration.

27/06/2025

“What does it take to become a successful businessperson?”
That’s the question keynote speaker George Economou posed to the Webb Institute Class of 2025 during this year’s Commencement.

His answer? A different kind of PhD:
P for Poor
H for Hungry
D for Drive, Desire, Dream, Determination

Mr. Economou received an honorary doctorate from Webb Institute, an honor given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the maritime field and beyond. His remarks were a powerful reminder that success begins with grit, purpose, and passion.

Watch the full video of our Commencement 2025 on our YouTube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSNZ8BdTY44

Congratulations again to the Class of 2025. Your journey is just beginning. ⚓

23/06/2025

We're still buzzing from the inspiring 2025 Commencement at Webb Institute, where we had the honor of hosting shipping magnate George Economou as our keynote speaker!

Economou, founder of DryShips Inc., the TMS Group, and owner of Cardiff Marine, delivered a powerful message to our graduating class. He spoke about embracing opportunity, the importance of integrity, and finding passion in your career.

Check out the full story on Maritime Reporter & Engineering News to learn more about this memorable day and Economou's valuable insights for the next generation of maritime leaders and beyond!

https://www.marinelink.com/news/shipowner-george-economou-speaks-webb-527192

21/06/2025

Today, we proudly celebrated the Class of 2025 at Webb Institute’s Commencement Ceremony- marking not just the end of a rigorous academic journey, but the beginning of bold new ones.

We were honored to welcome one of the world’s most influential maritime leaders to Webb. Greek billionaire and shipping magnate, George Economou was our keynote speaker, and his message was clear: resilience and courage are what shape extraordinary lives.

“Pursue your choices with love, humor, and hard work. Find a cool job, and money will be the reward.” - George Economou

From our tight-knit campus community to the global maritime stage, our graduates are ready to lead. Congratulations, Webb Class of 2025! 🎓⚓

21/06/2025

18/06/2025

🚤 Can a rotated keel give you the edge? Webb seniors Anna Lindberg '25 and Rayne Duff '25 put it to the test for their thesis project.

With mentorship from Professor Adrian S. Onas, they built a fully viscous STAR-CCM+ model of a Farr 36 sailing upwind, complete with sail and rudder forces. Their results? A rotated keel gave the boat a one-length lead after just 15 minutes. It’s a subtle shift, but a strategic one.

Watch the video!

16/06/2025

Thomas Motyka ’25 and Eli Murray ’25 proudly presented their senior thesis: “Webb’s Open-Circuit Wind Tunnel: Final Setup and Validation”.

Guided by Principal Advisor Professor Rick Royce, this project marks a major step forward in experimental learning and research at Webb. Building upon past work, Thomas and Eli successfully commissioned the wind tunnel for future use by installing a full data collection system, a custom testing rig, flow visualization equipment, and a refined computer control interface.

To validate their work, they tested NACA 0012 and NACA 0015 airfoils, comparing results against XFOIL and XFLR5 simulations. The data confirms that the tunnel produces reliable, repeatable results, and is now ready for continued student and faculty research.

Congratulations to Thomas and Eli on this exciting milestone for Webb’s hands-on learning environment.

📸 Swipe to see the photos!

13/06/2025

Each year, just before graduation, our seniors gather for one of Webb’s most beloved traditions- Wine 101.

Hosted once again by the ever-knowledgeable Abbott Weiss ‘63, this event offers a fun, relaxed (and educational!) evening filled with good wine, great food, and even better company at the President’s residence.

So, it was no surprise that Webb’s President reported that Wine 101 received straight As from the Class of 2025 in this year’s Senior Seminar survey!

A big thank you to Abbott for guiding our students through the world of wine with such charm and care. What a perfect way to kick off their final week as Webbies!

11/06/2025

Webb Institute is proud to have placed third overall in the 2025 Marine Energy Collegiate Competition (MECC) alongside top-tier like , , and the University of Michigan, and to have earned first place in the Community Connections Challenge for meaningful and impactful outreach.

Over several months, our student team designed a wave energy system that generates hydrogen fuel, built a compelling case for real-world application, and led thoughtful efforts that engaged younger students, industry professionals, and local communities.

From developing data tools and educational projects to participating in national conferences and events, Webbies demonstrated what’s possible when innovation meets purpose. This achievement highlights how even the smallest college in the competition can lead boldly on the national stage.
📖 Read our full story here:

https://www.webb.edu/blog/2025/06/11/webb-institute-places-third-in-national-marine-energy-collegiate-competition-mecc-and-wins-the-community-engagement-award/