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 summer
8-10 hour weekly time commitment from students
6-8 person student teams per project
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.
Meet Our Advisors
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 Projects
Summer 2023 – Maritime Cyber Risk
Team:
Sean Connolly, Liam Fox, Dylan Farrell, Shivam Patel, Tom Simon, Andrew Fernandez
Mentors:
Karen Bemis
Abstract:
The Maritime Risk Summer 2023 project examined the Maritime Industries’ offshore energy infrastructure and how it leads to cybersecurity vulnerabilities. By assessing the environmental and technological risks of the offshore energy port infrastructure, the Maritime Risk Bootcamp assessed, evaluated, and provided recommendations for cyber threats that have a high likelihood of severely impacting the Maritime Industries’ operations. The project also reviewed the consequences for the company itself if the above concerns are not addressed in a systematic manner
Summer 2022 – Maritime Cyber Risk
Team:
Denis Egan, Latha Vijayagopal, Ryan Whytlaw
Mentors:
Christie Nelson, Brian Petrus
Abstract:
The team interviewed subject matter experts, research cyber attacks and disruptions to the maritime industry that would have an impact on global or national supply chains, and compiled a report with findings and recommendations. The team was highly successful in completing all of their initiatives and project goals throughout the duration of the bootcamp focusing on recommending ideas ideas to secure and protect maritime supply chains from cyber threats.
Summer 2021 – Maritime Cyber Risk
Team:
Adityya Kesari, Vivek Rajan, Joseph Maimone, Srotriyo Sengupta
Mentors:
Christie Nelson, Brian Petrus
Abstract:
The Coast Guard Security left with increasing situational awareness for cybersecurity threats. The team worked on the Automated Vessels with the new challenges discovered: design, operations, safety, security, and training. The Cybersecurity Updates left the NIST with the latest frameworks for Maritime Industry in alignment with US Coast Guard seems to be in 2016. The target shift the team provided was a partnership with major corporations: Critical government technology & supply chain attacks are the most active threats. The team was very successful in completing all of their initiatives and project goals during the duration of the bootcamp focusing on recommending ideas to reduce system failures.
Summer 2020 – Maritime Cyber Risk
Team:
Niharika Kasimahanthi, Nikkia Ford
Mentors:
Christie Nelson, Karen Bemis
Abstract:
The project looked into cyber issues faced by companies in the maritime industry, and what recommendations the US Coast Guard should enforce the other companies to follow to improve their systems and have less issues with cyber attacks. The final solutions had a variety of recommendations, such as increasing situational awareness, developing cyber security teams, and updating technology