Brendan O'Neill

Ph.D. Candidate | Tillman Scholar | NDSEG Fellow

Brendan O'Neill is a Ph.D. candidate at the MIT/WHOI Joint Program in Applied Ocean Science and Engineering, where he has been conducting research focused on undersea robotics since June 2018. He is also a Tillman Scholar and a National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellow, recognized for his contributions to the field.1

Before pursuing his Ph.D., O'Neill earned a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2018-2020) and a Bachelor's degree in History from the University of Florida (1999-2003). He has a notable background as a Naval Officer in the U.S. Navy, where he has served for over 17 years, taking on increasing leadership roles and responsibilities.1

O'Neill's research interests include human-robot teaming for both undersea and extraterrestrial operations, aiming to enhance human capabilities in challenging environments through robotics and wearable technology. Outside of his academic and military pursuits, he is passionate about fitness and participates in various endurance challenges for charitable causes.1

Highlights

Mar 10 · Newsweek

Russia Converting Kinzhal Missiles Into Nuclear Weapons Would be 'Complex' - Newsweek

Feb 2 · Newsweek

Joe Rogan Blasts Claim Obesity Is Caused by Genetics—'Bonkers Thing to Say' - Newsweek

Experience

Ph.D. Candidate at MIT/WHOI Joint Program in Applied Ocean Science and Engineering, Naval Officer at US Navy

Fellow at The Honor Foundation

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2018 - 2020), Bachelor's degree in History from University of Florida (1999 - 2003), Tillman Scholar at Pat Tillman Foundation (2021)