Karen Deering, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division’s (NSWCCD) senior technical lead for Advanced Undersea Systems and the Navy's radiated noise subject matter expert, has been named one of the recipients of the Dr. Delores M. Etter award for her technical leadership and groundbreaking contributions to underwater acoustic testing.
The 2025 Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition) Dr. Delores M. Etter Top Scientists and Engineers of the Year Award recognizes scientists and engineers for their exceptional contributions to science and engineering, showcasing their talent, professionalism, and dedication to supporting the Navy and the nation.
Deering aided in the development and implementation of the Carson Spit Shallow Water Underway Measurement Area and the execution of 17 diverse special acoustic tests. Deering’s technical expertise and leadership made innovative tests possible on in-service systems as well as research and development projects. These tests have led to substantial readiness improvements of Navy platforms and investments in warfighter competency and helped operationalize unmanned systems across all subsea and seabed warfare mission areas. Through these tests, she has built a foundation that will support continued signature improvements for warfighters and platforms in the Submarine Force, Naval Special Warfare community and a wide array of unmanned systems.
Before joining NSWCCD in 2007, Deering held roles at NASA’s Glenn Research Center and Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, supporting high-profile radiated noise and underwater testing projects. Since taking on her current leadership role in 2023, she has overseen numerous acoustic trials in support of the Navy’s evolving undersea capabilities.
Originally from Lincolnville, Maine, Deering grew up on a small homestead, attending a K-8 school with fewer than 15 students per class. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in engineering/acoustics and music from the University of Hartford, followed by master’s degrees in acoustical engineering and technology management from Penn State.
The scope of Deering’s work at Carderock is extensive, as she leads radiated noise signature testing for platforms smaller than submarines — including unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and diver propulsion systems. Her work involves planning and executing complex, often one-of-a-kind acoustic tests across a wide range of environments, from ocean basins to swimming pools.
“We conduct tests anywhere we’re needed — lakes, tanks, coastal waters — many of them under very unique and challenging conditions,” Deering said. “It takes a lot of coordination and precision to collect the kind of high-quality data the fleet needs.”
Deering’s work on the Carson Spit Shallow Water Underway Measurement Area was critical to her selection for the Etter Award. She led the development and implementation of this new measurement area, enabling underway signature testing for UUVs — a capability previously unavailable at that scale. She also executed 17 diverse and technically complex acoustic tests within a single year.
“These radiated noise signatures directly support fleet readiness,” Deering said. “They inform tactical decisions, design changes, maintenance planning, and operator training. It’s not just about collecting data — it’s about understanding what that data means in an operational context.”
Through her efforts, Deering has helped the Navy improve the acoustic stealth and effectiveness of undersea assets. Her team’s work supports the Acoustic Technical Warrant Holder, feeds susceptibility models and enables operators to make data-informed adjustments during missions.
“It’s a huge honor to receive this award,” Deering said. “I’m incredibly proud of this recognition. It reflects not just my work, but the dedication and expertise of my entire team. We spend a lot of long nights on the water making these tests happen — this award is for all of us.”
Deering’s selection highlights her continued commitment to technical excellence and innovation in undersea warfare and played a critical role in advancing how the Navy measures and interprets the acoustic signatures of unmanned and diver-deployed systems.