The U.S. Naval Academy is introducing the Center for Energy Security and Infrastructure Resilience (CESIR), an interdisciplinary program aimed at addressing the challenges of energy security and the impacts of climate change on critical infrastructure. Scheduled to commence later this spring, CESIR will focus on developing new curricula that prepare midshipmen for pressing national security issues.
Provost Samara Firebaugh emphasized the importance of this initiative, underscoring that future officers in the Navy and Marine Corps must be equipped to handle the dual challenges of energy security alongside the effects of climate change. The program will involve collaboration across various academic areas, encouraging participation from midshipmen, faculty, and staff.
Initially, CESIR aims to integrate relevant topics into existing courses, with plans to eventually introduce new elective offerings to the Naval Academy’s curriculum. Regular topical special lectures will be provided to further enrich the learning experience. The program is expected to enhance professional training opportunities for midshipmen and bolster research collaborations with U.S. government entities, academic institutions, and the private sector.
Founded in 1845, the U.S. Naval Academy is recognized as a top-tier service academy, training over 4,400 students, known as the Brigade of Midshipmen, to become professional naval officers. The academy has garnered high rankings in undergraduate engineering and liberal arts education. Midshipmen receive instruction from both military and civilian educators and participate in a range of activities, including intercollegiate sports and leadership courses. Upon graduation, they earn a Bachelor of Science degree in one of 26 majors and are required to serve at least five years as commissioned officers in either the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps.
CESIR represents a strategic response to evolving national security needs and reinforces the U.S. Naval Academy’s commitment to preparing its midshipmen for the complexities of modern military service, especially in the context of environmental challenges.
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