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Research

Cyber Defense Education

MCARTEC: Maritime Cybersecurity Applied Research, Technology & Education Center 

Mission: To enhance cybersecurity in the MTS by leveraging cutting-edge research expertise and strategic partnerships to combat evolving threats and strengthen maritime resilience. 

Vision: To transform global maritime cybersecurity by driving innovative solutions and developing a highly skilled workforce prepared to tackle future challenges. 

About the Project

The Maritime Cybersecurity Applied Research, Technology, and Education Center (MCARTEC) is a transformative initiative led by Professor Ulku Clark and an interdisciplinary team of UNCW faculty. With enthusiastic support from CSB Dean Rob Burrus and CSE Dean Ron Vetter, MCARTEC focuses on applied research, technology, and education to address critical cybersecurity challenges in the maritime transportation system (MTS), a vital component of the nation’s critical infrastructure. 

MCARTEC aims to secure and strengthen the resilience of the maritime subsector, a complex system responsible for the safe and secure transport of 95% of the cargo entering the United States, which accounts for approximately 25% of the nation’s GDP. This multifaceted system includes ships, shipping lines, ports, passenger terminals, cargo facilities, inland waterways, and intermodal transfer partners—each a potential vulnerability. By establishing itself as a nationally recognized research center, fostering international collaboration, supporting workforce development, and contributing to North Carolina’s blue economy, MCARTEC is positioned to lead the charge in maritime cybersecurity innovation and solidify UNCW’s reputation as a leader in coastal research and education. 

UNCW Research Hubs Dive Deep

UNCW’s Research Hubs program supports interdisciplinary collaborations to address complex problems beyond individual researchers' reach, serving as the foundation for innovative research partnerships.

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Cargo ship pulling tug boat at the Port of Wilmington

UNCW to Expand Maritime Cybersecurity Program

UNCW will help develop national standards and train future workforce to protect America's Marine Transportation System from cyber threats.

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From Left to Right: UNCW Provost James Winebrake, College of Science and Engineering Dean Ron Vetter, and Professor Ulku Clark, Director of the UNCW Center for Cyber Defense Education

UNCW Eyes Maritime Cybersecurity Future

UNCW is expanding cybersecurity programs to include maritime focus, leveraging its coastal location and expertise amid growing national efforts to protect ports and maritime infrastructure.

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Cargo ships on the Cape Fear River

Goals/Expected Outcomes

The goal is to establish a nationally recognized research center for maritime cybersecurity, positioning MCARTEC as a leader in this field by leveraging an industry and government partnership model in alignment with the National Infrastructure Protection Plan. By fostering collaborative international partnerships, MCARTEC aims to address global maritime cybersecurity challenges while enhancing UNCW’s reputation as North Carolina’s coastal university. This includes developing a robust maritime cybersecurity workforce development center to strengthen the region’s capabilities. Additionally, these efforts will support UNCW’s existing blue economy initiatives, promoting the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and job creation while prioritizing ocean health.

Meet Our Team

  • PI: Prof. Ulku Clark, Congdon
  • Co-PI: Prof. Hosam Alamleh 
  • Co-PI: Asst. Prof. Bilge Karabacak, Congdon 
  • Co-PI: Asst. Prof. Kasey Miller, Congdon 
  • Co-PI: Prof. Jeff Cummings, Congdon 
  • Co-PI: Asst. Prof. Laavanya Rachakonda, CS

  • Co-PI: Asst. Prof. Geoff Stoker, Congdon 
  • Asst. Prof. Ahmet Aydogan, CS | Assoc. Prof. Brittany Morago, CS 
  • Lecturer Dan Barber, Congdon | Assoc. Prof. Toni Pence, CS 
  • Asst. Prof. Gulustan Dogan, CS | Assoc. Prof. Anup Phayal, P&IA 
  • Asst. Prof. Ahmed ElSaid, CS | Prof. Karl Ricanek, CS 
  • Adjunct Jeff Greer, Congdon | Asst. Prof. Hamed Saeidi, CS 
  • Asst. Prof. Miran Hossain, E&F | Prof. Peter Schuhmann, E&F 
  • Asst. Prof. Sima Jafarikhah, CS | Assoc. Prof. Yang Song, CS 
  • Asst. Prof. Qianqian Liu, P&PO | Assoc. Prof. Manoj Vanajakumari, Congdon 
  • Prof. Lynn Lonard, E&OS | Assoc. Prof. Ethan Watson, E&F 
  • Assoc. Prof. Minoo Modaresnezhad, Congdon | Asst. Prof. Yu Wang, Congdon 

North Carolina State Ports Authority, Defense Alliance of North Carolina and United States Coast Guard 

  • Lillian Annette Cannon, Caroline Phillips Talucci (July 2025 – present) 
  • Marjorie Elaine Pare (August 2025 – December 2025) 

Student Opportunities

Inquire About Student Opportunities

Funding Sources

Funding for the MCARTEC research hub will amount to a total initial financial support of $1,300,000. This includes:

  • $625,000 in approved funding from the FY24 federal budget for “Maritime Cyber Security: Standards Advancement, Research, and Workforce Development” 
  • $200,000 from the Carolina Cyber Network (CCN) to support MTS efforts within a coalition of 17 higher education institutions 
  • $125,000 from the Department of Defense (DoD) 
  • $100,000 from CCN for sector leadership in the Transportation System Sector 
  • $100,000 in UNCW Research Hub funding 
  • $100,000 in matching support from the College of Science and Engineering (CSE) 
  • $50,000 from the Cameron School of Business (CSB) 
These combined resources will bolster MCARTEC’s efforts to lead in maritime cybersecurity research, technology, and workforce development.

Publications

Contact the Center for Cyber Defense Education

Dr. Ulku Clark

Phone: (910) 962-3901

uncwcybercenter@uncw.edu

UNC Wilmington, Congdon Hall 2020
601 S. College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403-5611

Email the Cyber Defense Center