Harnessing the Ocean

When most people look across the ocean, they see waves rolling toward the shore. Toby Dewhurst sees opportunity.

A 2009 mechanical engineering graduate of Cedarville University, Toby has built a career helping people harness the power and potential of the sea. From sustainable energy to aquaculture, his work sits at the heart of what many call the “blue economy” — using ocean resources responsibly to meet some of humanity’s greatest needs.

Toby’s journey began in an unexpected place. As a Cedarville student, he joined the University’s solar boat team and discovered the fascinating challenge of designing structures that interact with waves, currents, and wind. The experience sparked a curiosity that eventually carried him to graduate school and a career in ocean engineering.

Today, Toby leads Kelson Marine, an international engineering company based in Maine. His team helps design offshore structures that can withstand the ocean’s harshest conditions while producing food and renewable energy. Whether supporting tidal energy projects or creating systems for growing mussels, oysters, and other seafood, Toby combines engineering expertise with a desire to solve real-world problems.

Along the way, he learned that the ocean still holds plenty of mysteries. Early in his career, while studying aquaculture systems off the coast, he discovered that even the best engineering tools struggled to predict how offshore structures would respond to changing ocean conditions. Instead of becoming discouraged, Toby embraced the challenge. He and his colleagues developed better tools and a deeper understanding, helping advance an industry that continues to grow around the world.

On the Cedarville Stories podcast, Toby shared his excitement about the future. As the global population grows, so does the demand for sustainable food and clean energy. He believes the ocean can play an important role in meeting those needs.

For Toby, engineering is about more than calculations and designs; it is about serving people. From the coast of Maine to communities around the globe, he is helping others use the oceans wisely, proving that innovation, perseverance, and a little curiosity can make waves that reach far beyond the shoreline.

https://share.transistor.fm/s/3ac2e82e

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4N6EQlAxDs