Meet Michael Penfield: Helping Blue Tech Help Our Critical Infrastructure | Wave Makers

September 21, 2022

How blue tech is driving infrastructure innovations!

This month Wave Makers host Tamara Kahn dives a little deeper into the recent Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and understanding coastal and ocean infrastructure.  Guest Michael Penfield of Stradivarius Consulting offers his insights into some of the infrastructure that is integral to our country’s economy, security and public health.  An inundation of challenges facing these vital systems has made the need to innovate and build more resilient systems critical.  And it’s more important than ever that the public have a better understanding of these systems.  Tune in as Tamara asks Michael to draw upon his experience with disaster and emergency management, as well as strategy, planning, implementation, and even business development and advising, to talk about how innovative ocean technologies can advance these efforts.

Michael Penfield, Principal & CEO of Stradivarius Consulting
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Tamara Kahn

Before diving into promoting the incredible innovations of the ocean and water industry, Tamara spent a decade ocean bound for weeks at a time, working with state-of-the-art geophysical sensors in some of the most challenging environments, the salty depths of the world’s oceans. She enjoyed managing projects with advanced technology and collaborating with a diverse workforce and clientele, but her international travels made her witness to some of the worst challenges facing humanity, from ocean pollution to water scarcity. She resolved to pivot her career into sustainability and ecological resilience. Since earning a Masters of Advanced Studies in Climate Science and Policy from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Tamara develops and facilitates programs that enable STEM students, researchers, policymakers, government officials and tech companies to form mutually beneficial partnerships, innovating and collaborating internationally towards sustainable solutions. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences from the University of Texas at Austin and contributes technical knowledge along with expertise in strategic collaboration and a zest for innovative thinking. Tamara is most happy near a body of water, relishes any chance to SCUBA and loves learning new languages and cultures.