A Journey Anchored in Passion

Matthew Blendermann does not float aimlessly with the tide. As a dedicated marine scientist with passion for the ocean, his career path has always circled back to this place he now calls home in New London, Connecticut. Matthew holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aquaculture and Aquarium Science from the University of New England, and brings both expertise and a genuine character to the many different ventures he undertakes.

From national competitions during his ocean sciences, to becoming a Divemaster, Matthew’s pathway continued to lead him back to the ocean, and further spawned an interest in achieving an off-shore commercial fishing license. Although much of his work was globally based – aquaculture, fishery and wildlife numbers did not miss where his heart lies and he made his outreach efforts stronger to make New London a better environmentally-intact community.

Local Leadership in an Emerging Field

Aquaculture and aquarium sciences may be all the rage today, but when Matthew started college, it was still a developing field of study in the United States. He was one of the few that appreciated its importance from an early perspective. His foresight combined with being a new niche, allowed him the same privilege and experience in traditional commercial fishing or aquaculture industries.

But as we learned about Matthew, it’s not just being scientific that makes Matthew special, it is Matt’s authentic leadership approach. He is an example of leading with compassion and transparency and earning respect from colleagues and mentors alike.”Being nice and positive to others has always been the most successful strategy for me,” Matthew says. “I don’t think I would have had the same opportunities had I chosen another way.”

This strategy includes how he continues to create professional relationships. Whether it is simply providing assistance relative to work projects, or listening and demonstrating support for personal struggles; Matthew makes an effort to be helpful, and authentic. There is a difference. The result of these interactions has been not only a network of collaboration, but a network of shared values and trust.

The Waters of New London

New London has always been a community shaped by the sea. Now with Matthew in the community, that relationship grows. He is not just a scientist; he is a community member who understands the requirement of balance between nurture and advancement.

Although Matthew does not hold a formal role in education or outreach, he finds himself mentoring young students interested in marine science. He uses every route available to inspire curiosity of young professionals; whether it is engaging students and answering questions about academic programs, facilitating informal tours of local aquatic systems, and providing opportunities for class credits which have regional significance. Matthew’s impact is not felt in grand proclamations, but rather is experienced through steady, deliberate experiences of meaning.

A recent story can illustrate the impact of Matthew’s network. A colleague in the state agency where Matthew works had been suffering silently with mental health issues. Although it was never acknowledged, Matthew recognized that something was wrong. Matthew approached this colleague with a sense of care and compassion and, after some time, he encouraged him to seek out professional help. Something did change, and the outcome was life altering. “I can tell he is happy and focused now,” Matthew reflected. “I’m proud of him for stepping out, grateful I could play a small role to encourage that.”

Creative Projects for a Purpose

In addition to his professional adventures, Matthew’s love of creative writing takes up much of his time. Not surprisingly, most of his stories are about the ocean, appealing to his imagination, while expressing causes that are important to him. Currently, he is working on his novel and is excited that storytelling can be another way to connect people with the world below the waves.

In addition to working on chapters, he can also be found when not too busy, just seemingly embarking on long road trips. Mostly just getting in the car without any preset destination. Often those road trips are crawling down unexplored highways, which reflects his larger philosophy on life: move with purpose, take everything in, and remain open to whatever that experience may be.

Leadership Based on Values

Matthew, as a leader, values efficiency, organization, and morale, and views positivity as an intrinsic part of the team dynamic. His motivation with a team is not propelled by pressure or competition, but by support and recognition of the team members instead. This perspective allows colleagues, as a team, to stay the course through challenges, while not losing track of the purpose and direction they assigned themselves as a team.

Matthew also knows when to accept responsibility, and when to pass it on. “I’ll take on the responsibility if it lessens the load for others,” explains Matthew, “then usually I would delegate based on who can do it well, not just who can get it done quickly.” This typically sensible and caring approach has always produced results for him, whether in collaboration with others or by himself.Matthew’s perspective on goal-setting is as grounded as it gets. Instead of following some abstraction of perfection, Matthew just wants to focus on how much he can physically do in a day. “Working to my means doesn’t mean doing less,” he says. “It means only doing what I physically can today, and giving myself a chance to be consistent and improve.”

Moving New London Forward

Matthew is influencing New London in more ways than any one program or organization can offer. He is a part of a very quiet but mountain-abyssal movement to bring together science, environmentalism, and community. No matter if it’s through his professional abilities, informal mentorship, or personal connections, Matthew is always trying to improve New London to be a more thoughtful, waterfront community in which to reside.

An active participant in organizations like AALSO, PADI, and DAN has helped Matthew remain connected to the national network of professionals, while also ensuring the knowledge and principles he learns all become shared back to his local community. This excellent ability to blend national knowledge with local tools is what it means to be involved at both levels.

What Lies Ahead for Matthew

Matthew Blenbermann is right at the onset of what promises to be an impactful career. Matthew is aiming to find gainful employment involving marine science or ocean advocacy, and with his quality and character, we are certain, whoever will be better off for working with Matthew and will look for ways to bring him along in his life’s journey.

Matthew intends to bring together the experiences he has had before entering the work force, contribute to innovative aquatic programming, and eventually contribute to sustainability efforts on a global scale. Regardless of where he ends up next, New London, and Matthew will always be central to his narrative.

Strength Based on Empathy and Integrity

What makes Matthew Blendermann‘s journey unique is not his endorsement list or credentials. It is his approach, quiet strength, personal reflection, and empowering others to thrive and not just survive. These qualities are not just admirable, they are effective, too.

In a time when professional growth is represented by a rank, title, or performance metrics, what Matthew puts into practice is that empathy and authenticity still matter in our approach, as the primary building blocks of sustainability and effective long term planning and community-building, whether on-land or in-the-water.

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