Experiential Learning for Business and Science

Maritime Risk Bootcamp

Our Maritime Risk Bootcamp Rotational offers students hands-on experience through real-world projects. Collaborating with experts from the Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence, students tackle important national defense and security topics. The Bootcamp adapts to the ever-changing professional landscape, ensuring that each rotation provides a unique experience, with new challenges and opportunities every semester.

Industry Experts as Advisors

Projects span 10-15 weeks a semester

Enrolling students every semester

8-10 hour weekly time commitment from students

3-6 person student teams per project

Meet the Experts Who’ll Guide Your Journey

Learn from industry professionals who bring real-world experience and personalized mentorship to every step of your path.

Headshot of Karen Bemis

Karen Bemis

PHD

Advisor, Maritime Risk Bootcamp

Senior Advisor, Scientist and Research Faculty Member with over 30 years of experience in marine science and data visualization. Since joining the Rutgers Professional Science Master’s (PSM) program, Dr. Bemis has been a key member of the leadership team and serves as the Assistant Director of the MBS Externship Exchange, where she empowers students to develop the skills and competencies necessary for success in their future careers.

Brian Petrus

PHD

Advisor, Maritime Risk Bootcamp

Senior Advisor with extensive experience in the education sector, specializing in Human Resources and Project Management. Brian has supported the MBS Externship Exchange Program since 2020, empowering students to cultivate the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other competencies essential for their future career trajectories. He currently serves as an Associate Professor of Business Administration at Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA.

Past Areas of Exploration

Our students have gained invaluable experience by tackling real-world maritime challenges, such as autonomous systems, the evolving landscape of cybercrime, and the complexities of maritime security and enforcement.

Autonomous Vessels

Exploring autonomous technologies and the distinctions between remotely controlled and advanced onboard support systems.

Cyber Risk and Privacy

Assessing cybersecurity risks and privacy issues within NIST and USCG areas of interest, including key cyber tools.

Pandemic Era Cybercrime

Analyzing trends in cybercrime, data breaches during the pandemic, and post-pandemic security improvements.

Coast Guard Security Interests

Investigating smuggling practices, advanced vehicle detection, and innovations in vehicle construction.

Projects from Recent Bootcamps

Evaluating Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Risks

Summer 2024

An infographic titled "Wall Street Bootcamp" summarizes a student project analyzing Starbucks using Moody’s rating methodology. The top section introduces the Bootcamp’s focus on financial, ESG, and operational factors in the global coffee industry. A timeline shows the research process: industry research, company selection, assessment, and final rating. The problem statement notes the challenge of evaluating investment-grade ratings amid ESG concerns. Project goals include providing an accurate rating and offering actionable insights. Results show Starbucks was downgraded from A3 to Baa1 due to decreased revenue in China and uncertain growth. Key takeaways include using financial databases, identifying risk factors, and converting qualitative data into ratings. The graphic includes logos of Cornell and WSBC, coffee imagery, and icons related to research and finance.

Team

Christopher Di Paolo, Ulari Maduekwe, Derya Kirca, Giovanna Lorenzetti, Sneha Shinde

Abstract

This project focused on evaluating cybersecurity and infrastructure risks to enhance maritime resilience. A comprehensive risk assessment rubric was developed for five major and minor ports in the United States, and specific risks were categorized to effectively identify vulnerabilities. By systematically researching and quantifying these risks, the team aimed to improve the overall security and resilience of maritime operations.

Mitigating Cyber Threats to the Maritime Industry

Summer 2023

An infographic titled "Wall Street Bootcamp" summarizes a student project analyzing Starbucks using Moody’s rating methodology. The top section introduces the Bootcamp’s focus on financial, ESG, and operational factors in the global coffee industry. A timeline shows the research process: industry research, company selection, assessment, and final rating. The problem statement notes the challenge of evaluating investment-grade ratings amid ESG concerns. Project goals include providing an accurate rating and offering actionable insights. Results show Starbucks was downgraded from A3 to Baa1 due to decreased revenue in China and uncertain growth. Key takeaways include using financial databases, identifying risk factors, and converting qualitative data into ratings. The graphic includes logos of Cornell and WSBC, coffee imagery, and icons related to research and finance.

Team

Shivam Patel, Andrew Fernandez, Sean Connolly, Tom Simon, Dylan Farrell, Liam Fox

Abstract

This project examined the Maritime Industries’ offshore energy infrastructure and its associated cybersecurity vulnerabilities. By assessing the environmental and technological risks of offshore energy port infrastructure, the Maritime Risk Bootcamp team evaluated and provided recommendations for addressing cyber threats with a high likelihood of severely impacting maritime operations. The project also outlined potential consequences for companies if these concerns were not addressed in a systematic manner.

Risk Assessment of the Maritime Transportation Industry

Summer 2022

An infographic titled "Wall Street Bootcamp" summarizes a student project analyzing Starbucks using Moody’s rating methodology. The top section introduces the Bootcamp’s focus on financial, ESG, and operational factors in the global coffee industry. A timeline shows the research process: industry research, company selection, assessment, and final rating. The problem statement notes the challenge of evaluating investment-grade ratings amid ESG concerns. Project goals include providing an accurate rating and offering actionable insights. Results show Starbucks was downgraded from A3 to Baa1 due to decreased revenue in China and uncertain growth. Key takeaways include using financial databases, identifying risk factors, and converting qualitative data into ratings. The graphic includes logos of Cornell and WSBC, coffee imagery, and icons related to research and finance.

Team

Amritpal Singh, Farid Mamoor, Hasan Bhuiyan, Tawhid Ahmad

Abstract

This bootcamp focused on maritime risk where students looked into areas of interest around the maritime industry and potential areas of risk to supply chains. These areas of risk included inland waterways and infrastructure, climate change impediments, and training the next generation of maritime cybersecurity workers. The team presented a poster at the Fall 2022 Maritime Risk Symposium.