Joe Transue, class of 2005

Originally from Auburn, Alabama, Joe learned about IYRS through friend Seth Hagen ('02) during a visit to Newport in 2001. After a few years, Joe ceded a career in photography and his then home town of Durham, North Carolina in favor of wooden boats in Newport. Though driven by the aesthetic and creative nature of both, he finds the technical trades more comfortable and can be frequently found using, repairing and generally messing about with computers.

"My independent study project was really a amalgamation of my skills with computers, cameras and boats." he said, referring to his use of photogrammetry to reconstruct a hull shape in CAD. Those who were in the shop at the time will remember Aspenet (the George Lawley & Sons knockabout sloop built 1896) covered with little targets. After launch day, Joe worked on two large projects including the Coronet restoration (as a Fellow) and restoration of Freedom with McMillen Yachts. When Jim Titus moved Mt. Hope Boat Works to Newport, Joe quickly jumped at the chance to come work with fellow alumni Leslie Gouvia and Carson Agnew.

When Joe came across an opportunity to broaden his professional horizons he joined Bristol, RI based Solar Wrights as a renewable energy installer. Though not a direct application of his education, he reports that even constructing photovoltaic arrays can bring about an opportunity to apply skills learned while studying under Lew, Jenn, Warren, and Clark. Joe worked with that outfit in Rhode Island , as well as in Connecticut. Eventually he was promoted to sales as the company has grown in few years at a very fast pace.

Joe decided to leave Solar Wrights , now known as Alteris Renewables Inc and reflect in his career. He was married in 2008 to Amy Thomspon, who, after obtaining her Phd from the University of Rhode Island, in Industrial Engineering, accepted a teaching position at the University of Rhode Island. They live in Guilford, Connecticut and he tries to stay in touch with IYRS alumni. He enjoys, photography, doing things with his hands and being part of a jovial group of friends.

Joe Transue, class of 2005