WHOI’s Robert Weller named to National Academy of Engineering Class of 2025

Woods Hole, Mass. (Feb. 13, 2025) – Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is proud to announce that Robert Weller has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) Class of 2025. A senior scientist in WHOI’s Physical Oceanography department, Weller was named for his contributions to the theory, observation, and instrumentation of the upper ocean and air-sea interface. He is one of 128 new members, and 22 new international members.

Election to the NAE is among the highest professional distinctions to an engineer. Academy membership honors those who have made outstanding contributions in at least one of the following categories: “engineering practice, research, or education”, “pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, major advancements in traditional fields of engineering, or development/implementation of innovative approaches to engineering education” or “engineering leadership of one or more major endeavors." NAE members are among the world’s most accomplished engineers from business, academia, and government. Founded in 1964, the NAE provides independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation, offering leadership and insights for a complex world. Elected by their peers, the ballot for this class was set in December and the final vote took place in January.

“On behalf of the NAE, I offer our sincerest congratulations and extend a warm welcome to the new members and international members who have been elected to the NAE Class of 2025,” said NAE President John L. Anderson. “These professionals belong to a select group of national and international peers who advance the welfare and prosperity of the nation by providing independent advice on matters involving engineering and technology, and by promoting a vibrant engineering profession and public appreciation of engineering.”

“It is an honor to join this prestigious group,” said Weller. “Developing new tools and technology to observe the ocean is more important now than ever, and I look forward to work at WHOI and with colleagues at other institutions to continue this work.”

The only other WHOI engineer to receive this honor is Allyn Vine, elected to the Class of 1982, for his wide-ranging contributions to oceanographic engineering, and design of deep submersibles for research.

The newly elected class will be formally inducted during the NAE's Annual Meeting on Oct. 5, 2025.

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About Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is a private, non-profit organization on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, dedicated to marine research, engineering, and higher education. Established in 1930, its mission is to understand the ocean and its interactions with the Earth as a whole, and to communicate an understanding of the ocean’s role in the changing global environment. WHOI’s pioneering discoveries stem from an ideal combination of science and engineering—one that has made it one of the most trusted and technically advanced leaders in fundamental and applied ocean research and exploration anywhere. WHOI is known for its multidisciplinary approach, superior ship operations, and unparalleled deep-sea robotics capabilities. We play a leading role in ocean observation and operate the most extensive suite of ocean data-gathering platforms in the world. Top scientists, engineers, and students collaborate on more than 800 concurrent projects worldwide—both above and below the waves—pushing the boundaries of knowledge to inform people and policies for a healthier planet. Learn more at whoi.edu.

About the National Academy of Engineering

Founded in 1964, the U.S. National Academy of Engineering is a private, independent, nonprofit institution that provides engineering leadership in service to the nation. Its mission is to advance the welfare and prosperity of the nation by providing independent advice on matters involving engineering and technology, and by promoting a vibrant engineering profession and public appreciation of engineering.