Held annually, the symposium gives cadets the opportunity to showcase their academic proficiency and expertise to an audience of peers, faculty, sponsors, and supporters.
Team and individual research, analysis and design efforts culminate at the event in the form of student presentations throughout campus. Most importantly, the Cadet Research Symposium promotes scholarship across all academic disciplines, highlights the Coast Guard Academy as an intellectual resource, and encourages the development of critical thinking and communication skills of all cadets.
Capstone projects are designed to replicate the real work experience cadets will face when they enter the Coast Guard fleet following graduation. The projects put emphasis on the skills and concepts needed to succeed as a project manager. Cadets are each responsible for a particular aspect of the overall project, and additionally take turns in the leading role.
This year’s projects covered a wide area of concepts, such as the design and construction of an autonomous surface vessel, resigning a micro satellite, arctic geopolitics in Greenland, illegal fishing in West Africa, and designing a new and improved tourniquet.