Current Scholars | The Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping

Current Scholars


	Alvin Victa Abraham Philippines alvin.abraham@unh.edu Alvin Abraham is from Camarines Norte, Philippines. In 2012, he earned his B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering at Camarines Norte State College as a DOST Scholar. He placed in the Top 20 candidates for both the 2011 and 2012 Master Electrician and Electrical Engineer licensure exams, respectively. He is currently the Chief Hydrographic Survey Officer of the Philippine Hydrographic Research Survey Vessel – BRP Hydrographer Presbitero and holds the rank of a Lieutenant Senior Grade. With more than ten (10) years of hydrographic experience; he has directed and taken part in numerous inshore and offshore hydrographic survey operations. He completed his Cat B Hydrographic Survey Program in Busan, Republic of Korea, in 2018. He is pursuing a master’s degree in environmental science at De La Salle University - Dasmariñas before coming to UNH. To enhance his knowledge of the theoretical aspects of hydrographic surveys and make a greater contribution to the mapping of our oceans, Alvin is pursuing a post-graduate certificate in ocean mapping as a GEBCO Scholar. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball or watching movies.

	Juan Jose Bernal Alvarado Peru juanjose.bernalalvarado@unh.edu Juan José Bernal Alvarado is from Lima, Perú where he graduated as an Ensign from the Peruvian Navy Academy in December 2018. He studied at the Hydrography and Navigation School of Peru in December 2020, specializing as a Category B Hydrographer. He currently holds the rank of Lieutenant and, for the past four years, has worked in various fields within the hydrographic world, such as nautical signaling and geomatics applied to hydrography. Last year, he served as the Second-in-Command of the B.A.P. Carrillo, a hydrographic vessel, where he conducted several hydrographic surveys to collect bathymetric data and update nautical charts. He has also participated in oceanographic cruises to monitor the El Niño phenomenon, which affects the southern Pacific coastline every year. Additionally, he has served as the Head of the Hydrographic Survey Division, where he planned and processed bathymetric surveys ordered by the Naval High Command, contributing to the safety of navigation. To enhance his knowledge of the theoretical aspects of hydrographic surveys and make a greater contribution to the mapping of our oceans, Juan José (or "JJ") is pursuing a post-graduate certificate in ocean mapping as a GEBCO Scholar. He practices competitive Judo and frequently goes to the gym.

	Ryoichi Horinouchi Japan ryoichi.horinouchi@unh.edu Ryoichi Horinouchi graduated from the Kyoto University in Japan with a master’s in geophysical fluid dynamics. He works at the Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department in the Japan Coast Guard (JHOD) and is in charge of physical-oceanographic, seismic-reflection, AUV* and ROV** surveys. In his career, he became interested in morphodynamics and ocean acoustics. In the Nippon Foundation / GEBCO program, he would like to deepen his understanding of ocean mapping technologies related profoundly to his interests. In his free time, he enjoys Capoeira acrobatics and playing the bass guitar, double bass, and drums. * AUV: Autonomous Underwater Vehicle ** ROV: Remote Operated Vehicle

	Byron Andres Jara Bautista Ecuador byron.jarabautista@unh.edu Byron Andres Jara Bautista holds a B.Sc. in Naval Science from the Ecuadorian Naval Academy, with Category B certifications in Hydrography from INOCAR (Oceanographic and Antarctic Institute of the Navy, Ecuador) and Nautical Cartography from the UKHO (United Kingdom Hydrographic Office). He is also an active member of the British Cartographic Society. As Chief Scientific Officer for the XVII Ecuadorian Antarctic Expedition, he led the geodesy team in updating coastal data for Nautical Charts. His experience includes leading hydrographic surveys, producing and validating Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs), and conducting maritime configuration studies for ports. During his time at the Ecuadorian Naval Academy, Byron lectured on Astronomical Navigation, Electronic Navigation, Maritime Interests, and an introductory course covering Hydrography, Oceanography, and Meteorology. He also had the opportunity to serve as chairman for several working groups within the Southeast Pacific Permanent Commission (CPPS). As part of the Nippon Foundation/GEBCO Project at CCOM, he aims to deepen his expertise in advanced hydrographic methodologies, applying them to challenges in coastline management and ocean mapping. He is eager to collaborate on research initiatives with a global impact. Outside of work, he practices fencing and is passionate about the ocean, enjoying sailing and traveling. He constantly seeks new adventures with his family, both on and off the water.

	Larissa Marquis Freguete Brazil larissa.marquesfreguete@unh.edu Larissa Marques Freguete has a B.Sc. in Oceanography and an M.Sc. in Environmental Engineering from UFES, Brazil, and an M.Sc. in Geospatial Systems Engineering from TAMUCC, US. She has experience in data geoprocessing, image processing, and automatic detection of oceanic vortices. She also has experience with LiDAR scanning systems for indoor and outdoor mapping, point cloud processing, and UAS-based bathymetric mapping techniques for coastal areas. Larissa is particularly enthusiastic about applying GeoAI to marine science, with a special focus on bathymetric data for habitat mapping and seafloor bedforms classification. She was a part of the Marine Geoscience Laboratory (LaboGeo) where she worked on data geoprocessing and publishing, database management system construction, and training and development of the UAS-based mapping group. Due to her master's studies in UAS-based photobathymetry mapping and LaboGeo's research nature, she started to aspire to gain more knowledge in bathymetric surveying. She sees the GEBCO/Nippon training program as a great opportunity to acquire these skills. Her desire is to return to her home country and contribute more to her previous research group by utilizing all the skills she has acquired through the program. Larissa enjoys volleyball, water sports, and outdoor activities in her free time. She is also keen on learning and exploring new things.

	Elizabeth Yates Canada elizabeth.yates@unh.edu Elizabeth (Lizzie) Yates is a Multidisciplinary Hydrographer with the Canadian Hydrographic Service and currently part of their Professional Development Apprenticeship Program. During her apprenticeship, Lizzie is developing her hydrographic skillset through participating in field hydrographic survey parties engaged in the acquisition of hydrographic data; calibrating depth and positioning equipment; assisting with the installation of tide gauges and erects survey markers; reading and recording data from tidal, distance and depth measurement systems; and sharing responsibility for the operation of a survey launch to collect hydrographic data. She has a Bachelor of Science in Geography from the University of Victoria and an Advanced Diploma in Geographical Information Systems Applications from the University of Vancouver Island. The Nippon Foundation/GEBCO Training Program is an incredible opportunity for her to expand her knowledge of advanced ocean mapping technologies, support sustainable marine management, and collaborate with experts worldwide. Being from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Lizzie is passionate about the PNW and loves to explore – particularly via her kayak. She is an Arctic Monkeys fan, a self-taught geometric quilter, and always up for watching the LOTR trilogy (extended edition).