Rutgers CAIT’s Maritime Resource Program is advancing research and innovation to strengthen the waterways, shorelines, and ports that keep New Jersey moving.
Home to the Port of New York and New Jersey, the largest port on the East Coast, New Jersey is a critical hub for maritime transportation and commerce. As the nation reinvests in its maritime system, growing vessel traffic, aging infrastructure, and increasingly complex operations are creating new demands for research, innovation, and skilled professionals.
Rutgers CAIT’s Maritime Resource Program (MRP) brings together academic expertise, technical resources, and industry partnerships to address these challenges. The program advances research to improve navigation and dredging best practices, support the maintenance and resilience of maritime infrastructure, leverage data to enhance port and vessel operations, and explore emerging energy solutions for the maritime sector.
MRP integrates its research and development efforts with industry outreach, government coordination, and workforce development to provide New Jersey’s maritime sector with a comprehensive, one-stop resource.
Program Pillars
Research & Technical Support Services
Applied research supporting safer waterways, stronger ports, resilient infrastructure, and long-term performance of New Jersey’s maritime transportation system.
Maritime Data Clearinghouse & Decision Support
Building the statewide maritime data clearinghouse and a suite of GIS, mapping, and planning tools for smarter operations and infrastructure management.
Stakeholder Engagement & Outreach
Engaging with the NY/NJ maritime industry to coordinate activities, address needs, and facilitate conversations through annual forums and events.
Education & Workforce Development
Preparing New Jersey’s maritime workforce through training, internships, curriculum, and industry engagement that develop the maritime workforce pipeline.
Meet the Team
Please send all general inquiries to maritime@rutgers.edu or email the MRP leadership listed below.
Daniel Barone, PhD
Dr. Daniel Barone is a jointly-appointed Teaching/Research Professor within the Rutgers University Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT), Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences (DMCS), and Department of Geography. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Marine Science and Instructional Technology from Stockton University and a PhD in Physical Geography from Rutgers University. Dr. Barone brings over 20 years of leadership experience directing coastal research and managing numerous coastal and maritime projects in New Jersey.
Email: daniel.barone@rutgers.edu
Robert Miskewitz, PhD
Dr. Robert Miskewitz is a Research Professor at Rutgers University and the Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT). His areas of expertise include the transport of contaminants in freshwater and marine systems, contaminated sediment processing and dredged material management, innovative beneficial use of sediments, water resources, resilience and durability of maritime infrastructure, and data acquisition and analysis.
Email: robert.miskewitz@rutgers.edu
Kevin Corbett
Kevin Corbett was appointed to lead NJ TRANSIT in February 2018. Following his tenure with NJ TRANSIT, Kevin joined the Rutgers CAIT as a senior fellow of Transportation Studies. Kevin also previously served as VP at AECOM, COO and EVP of the Empire State Development Corporation, and as Executive Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Economic Development. As MRP Senior Advisor, Kevin brings significant maritime industry experience, including serving as President of the Board of the Maritime Association of the Port of New York and New Jersey.
Email: kc1739@soe.rutgers.edu
Ali Maher, PhD, F.ASCE
Dr. Ali Maher is a professor of civil engineering who has served as the Director of Rutgers CAIT since its inception in 1998. He is a widely recognized expert, often tapped as a resource by industry and government agencies. His expertise spans the areas of automation and autonomous systems, enterprise asset management for transportation infrastructure, ground improvement, soil dynamics, nondestructive testing, geotechnology, and new technology vehicles. Dr. Maher’s
Email: mmaher@soe.rutgers.edu
The Rutgers CAIT MRP works closely with regional university partners and maritime research labs, including:
- Rutgers University’s Marine Field Station
- Monmouth University’s Urban Coast Institute
- Stockton University’s Coastal Research Center
- Stevens Institute of Technology’s Davidson Laboratory
- New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Rowan University
