It is with profound sadness to learn of passing of Doug Webb. Doug Webb has been treasured partner and collaborator for Rutgers marine science. Doug has been a world-leading innovator, explorer, teacher and for many of us a mentor for not only for science/engineering but also as a role model for being the best person possible. His mantra has been the guide for Rutgers Center of Ocean Observing Leadership (RU COOL):
Work Hard, Have Fun and Change the World
Doug is the inventor of underwater glider technology that has revolutionized oceanography. The first ocean test of the first prototype glider was conducted at the Rutgers Marine Field Station with a student Josh Kohut on the boat with Doug. The partnership between Doug, colleagues and Rutgers undergraduates conducted the first transatlantic underwater robotic crossing of an ocean bason. The accomplishment was recognized by the Spanish government, the US White House and the Smithsonian. His zest for life, his curiosity, and his discipline has been an inspiration for our students.
Doug beyond the development of underwater gliders has been a giant in technology development as well as understanding how technical innovations might influence society and the environment. As a student he with graduate students developed the the world’s first transistorized digital computer in November 1953. This experimental machine went on to become the Metrovick 950, the first commercial transistorized computer. He in the 1970s was one of the first scientists that human sound might impact whales. Doug worked at research institutes (WHOI) and eventually went on to form the very successful company Webb Research Corporation. This company was purchased by Teledyne Marine. His intellectual musings were endless and we can say as friends of Doug and his family, he worked hard, had fun and CHANGED the world.