New Brunswick, N.J. — November 4, 2025 — Students in Rutgers University’s Masters in Operational Oceanography (MOO) program recently welcomed Austin Heimark, Sales & Partnerships at Surfline, for an engaging guest lecture on the intersection of ocean observing systems, data analytics, and real-world forecasting applications.
Heimark shared insights into Surfline’s global network of cameras and machine learning models that power their industry-leading products. He emphasized the growing importance of operational oceanography in supporting not only recreational users but also maritime safety, coastal management, and environmental monitoring.
During his presentation, Heimark demonstrated how Surfline delivers information on shoreline location and bathymetry changes into predictive systems that operate in near-real time. Their sensing network is powered through CCTV cameras – a significant cost advantage relative to Argus systems. He also discussed possible collaborations with Rutgers University’s Coastal Ocean Observation Lab (RUCOOL), which has long been a leader in advancing ocean observing technologies.
Students had the opportunity to engage in a lively Q&A session, asking questions about machine learning applications in surf zone forecasting, data collection challenges, and career pathways that bridge science and industry.
“Austin’s talk gave students a first-hand view of how the data and models we study in class are actually applied in the private sector,” said Dr. Hugh Roarty, Research Professor and MOO Program Instructor. “It’s a great example of how Rutgers’ partnerships with industry leaders create meaningful learning opportunities.”
The visit underscored the value of connecting classroom learning with operational practices in the blue economy — a key objective of the MOO program.