Press Releases

6-2-2026

Massachusetts Maritime Academy Energy Systems Engineering Team Takes First Place in Promoting Electric Propulsion Competition

Cadets deliver outstanding performance in national maritime engineering event

BUZZARDS BAY, MA, ISSUED JUNE 2, 2026…Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA; www.maritime.edu), a top-ranked public university with undergraduate degree programs focusing on science, engineering, technology, math, and business that blend academics and experiential
learning is proud to announce that its Energy Systems Engineering (ESE) team won first place in the recent national 2026 Promoting Electric Propulsion (PEP) Workforce Development Competition. This marks the Academy’s first year participating in the event, one that draws more than 45 universities and 350 engineering students annually.
 
The three-member team of cadets Knox Ackerman (of Mendon, New York), Dhillan Maxwell-Columbia (of Chelsea, Massachusetts), and Michael Voci (of Kingston, Massachusetts) took the top award in the Uncrewed Electric Open Watercraft category, besting 15 other teams in the national competition.
 
Their vessel was fully designed, built, and tested as part of the team’s senior ESE Design Capstone course. In addition to winning first place, the team earned the top technical whitepaper score and fastest time around a 2-mile course.
 
The PEP competition is a national collegiate engineering challenge organized by the American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE) and sponsored by the Office of Naval Research. It focuses on electric-propulsion maritime technology, including both manned and unmanned electric boats.
 
“What amazing results for our first entry and a true testament to the quality of our academic training,” said Mark Whalen, associate professor and department chair of the Academy’s ESE Department. “Participating in this highly competitive event for the first time and taking top honors demonstrates what can happen when innovation meets hands-on experience.”
 
“This team has brought great pride to the MMA community,” said Dr. Jim McKenna, dean of undergraduate studies for Massachusetts Maritime Academy. “Their success on a national stage underscores the remarkable talent of our students and the high standards of training that prepare them to lead in the rapidly evolving maritime industry.”
The award-winning student team of Knox Ackernan, Dhillan Maxwell-Columbia, and Michael Voci will be featured during the ESE Design Project Showcase, to be conducted on June 9, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Crowley Energy Lab.

 
About Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA)
MMA is a fully accredited, four-year, co-educational state university offering Bachelor and Master of Science degrees that are highly regarded in the worldwide maritime industry and beyond. For more than 100 years, MMA has prepared women and men for exciting and rewarding careers on land and sea. As the nation's finest co-ed maritime college, MMA challenges students to succeed by balancing a unique regimented lifestyle with a typical four-year college environment. Located on Cape Cod, at the mouth of the scenic Cape Cod Canal, Massachusetts Maritime Academy is the ideal college to pursue the love for the ocean, concern for the environment, interest in math and science, and a thirst for adventure. Follow MMA on FB:  @massmaritime, @MassMaritime.Advancement; IG: @massmaritime, @mmacademyalumni; Twitter: @MMAadmissions, @MMAcademyAlumni; YouTube: Massachusetts Maritime Academy. 

Photo (left to right):  Knox Ackerman, Dhillan Maxwell-Coimbra, Michael Voci, Professor Mark Whalen.