Old Dominion University (ODU) is strategically located in the midst of the maritime ecosystem of Hampton Roads. This seminar will introduce attendees to what ODU’s Maritime Initiatives are and how ODU is developing as a maritime-centric university. Current and future maritime related programs and engagements, curriculum development, research opportunities, industry partnerships, and ways to get involved with the Maritime Initiatives will be discussed.

Elspeth McMahon is Old Dominion University’s inaugural Associate Vice President for Maritime Initiatives. She has nearly 20 years of dynamic experience in the commercial, military, and education sectors of the maritime industry. McMahon is currently a Commander in the United States Navy Reserves and has extensive experience working for Military Sealift Command as a Strategic Sealift Officer. She holds a USCG Chief Mate’s License and has sailed commercially for Maersk Line, Limited. With a passion for maritime education and training, she spent almost a decade as an Assistant Professor in the Marine Transportation Department at the State University of New York Maritime College. There, she educated the next generation of licensed deck officers, teaching everything from Leadership to Ship Stability.

Ms. McMahon holds an undergraduate degree in Marine Transportation from Massachusetts Maritime Academy, a master’s degree in International Transportation Management from the State University of New York Maritime College, and a master’s degree in Maritime and Air Transport Management, specializing in maritime research, from the University of Antwerp, Belgium. She is nearing the completion of her doctoral degree in Nautical Sciences from Antwerp, focusing on the future roles and training of mariners with the onset of autonomous shipping. McMahon is working to make ODU the leader in all things maritime in the Hampton Roads region and beyond.

CCPO Innovation Research Park Building I 4111 Monarch Way, 3rd Floor Old Dominion University Norfolk, VA 23508 757-683-4940