Interview: Haru Matsumoto

by William Hanshumaker

After returning from Antarctica, I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Haru Matsumoto (Haru.Matsumoto@noaa.gov). His primary responsibility on this mission was to coordinate the installation of the deep-sea hydrophone network. These hydrophones are of his own design, and are aptly nicknamed "Haruphones". I wanted to share both Haru's passion for his work, as well as how he acquired the necessary training.

Bill:What did you learn from this mission?
Haru: This was our first experience with the deployment of hydrophones in the high southern latitudes area off Antarctica. Hydrophones are computerized microphones that record sounds created underwater by earthquakes, volcanoes, moving ice flows, and even the large whales. But floating icebergs, unusual sound paths, and the notoriously rough weather in the Drake Passage create conditions that complicate interpreting the sound patterns. Due to cracking ice, the ambient sound may be much noisier than at the mid-latitudes. Floating ice could deflect or absorb distant sounds. We are optimistic that we have prepared for these challenges but will not know for sure until next winter. In November 2006, we will go back to the Antarctic to recover the Autonomous Underwater Hydrophones (AUHs) and decipher their recorded sonograms. Only then will we know how well our hydrophones performed and if our assumptions are correct.

Bill:What advice would you give to students who are interested in ocean engineering?
Haru: The technology is advancing at such a fast pace that even concepts of how to design and build a system changes every five years. It is a challenge to stay current in this field. The good news is that the basics do not change even with technological advances. What helped the most in my career was a strong background in math and physics, which I received when I was an undergraduate student in Japan. When a new technology emerges, it is easier to adapt to the changes if you've mastered the basics in math and physics. The goal is to quickly apply the new technology to your field.

Bill:Where did you go to school?
Haru: My undergraduate degree is from Tokai University, Japan, and I earned a PhD in Ocean Engineering from the University of Hawaii.

Bill:Why did you decide to study ocean engineering?
Haru: I graduated high school in mid 1970s. Back then, the Apollo program had just ended, and public interest was shifting towards the oceans. Born and raised near the Pacific, I was always interested in underwater technology. The concepts of underwater habitat, ocean thermal energy
conversion, and underwater communication fascinated me. I was also an
electronically savvy kid. I built my own ham radios and Hi-Fi amplifiers
with components that often came from junkyard. I consider myself lucky because ocean engineering was just the right match for me.

Bill:What part of your job you like the most?
Haru: I really appreciate being at an academic institution where I can enjoy the atmosphere of freedom. It allows me to generate my own ideas. I can even investigate unique ideas that may not demonstrate an immediate profit, but may benefit the environment in the long run. What satisfies me the most being part of a team that is very effective and consistently produces results.

Next: Interview: Sara Heimlich