For many students, the path to a high-tech career in oceanography can feel like a distant shore. However, a unique partnership between CCRI and the University of Rhode Island is bridging that gap, turning local students into the next generation of ocean explorers. 

The Bridge to Ocean Exploration (B2OE) program, managed by the NOAA Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute (OECI), offers CCRI students paid, hands-on experience in the cutting-edge world of ocean science. By embedding students in URI’s Graduate School of Oceanography laboratories, the program provides a pathway for those in diverse fields -- from computer science to media production -- to apply their skills to the "Blue Economy". 

Dwight Paniagua, a 20-year-old Providence native, is one student who has successfully navigated this bridge. Paniagua graduated from CCRI in May 2025 with an Associate of Science in Computer Engineering, and his journey prepared him for the rigors of professional research. 

"My studies at CCRI taught me how to persevere through the challenges that I faced when working on my project," said Paniagua, who noted that the grit he developed in difficult classes was essential when his internship project pushed him outside his comfort zone. 

Paniagua first discovered the opportunity through a CCRI email list, and the moment changed the trajectory of his education. 

"I saw the B2OE program on this list and thought that it was really interesting because it was catered to a variety of students with different majors," said Paniagua, who recent told his story on WJAR-TV’s “Studio 10” program.

Paniagua wasn't just observing; he was building. 

His project involved creating a database and web application for the Davies Lab to help researchers track and manage ocean lander deployments. This work required him to learn an entirely new programming language, applying the foundational concepts he had mastered at CCRI to solve real-world problems for the lab. 

"When I presented my project, it was incredibly rewarding to talk about my work and share it with so many people especially since it's something that the Davies lab would use in the future," Paniagua said. 

The B2OE program aims to address a critical need: awareness of ocean-related careers. While many CCRI students possess top-tier technical skills, they might not realize how those skills translate to the maritime world. 

"CCRI is training excellent students for their associates degrees, but they may not be aware of career opportunities in the ocean workforce," OECI executive director Adam Soule told URI’s Rhody Today last month. "Many of the CCRI students in the B2OE program matriculate to URI to complete their undergraduate degree with a newfound appreciation for how their skills may be applied to the ocean enterprise". 

Paniagua is a living example of that success. He is currently enrolled in the BS in Computer Engineering program at URI, with plans to graduate in May 2027. More importantly, his experience with B2OE has redefined his professional goals. 

"I am now considering a career in oceanography/ocean exploration," Paniagua said. "I think the field is really interesting. I can't wait to work on more projects related to this field.” 

The OECI is now in its fourth year of collaboration with CCRI and currently is recruiting up to ten CCRI students to participate in B2OE Cohort for the 2025-2026 academic year. For more information, including how to apply, visit URI’s Bridge to Ocean Exploration webpage.