Cynthia Robson

CAPT Cynthia Robson serves as a Full Professor in the Department of Marine Transportation within the Division of Nautical Sciences at the United States Merchant Marine Academy. A licensed Master Mariner qualified for any tonnage on any ocean—including sail vessel endorsement—she brings extensive operational experience from merchant marine service, Gulf War deployment as Executive Officer, and command roles aboard vessels like the Tall Ship Elissa and Soviet Sail Training Ship Druzhba.

Her academic credentials include:

• B.S. in Marine Biology, Texas A&M University
• B.S. in Marine Transportation, Texas A&M University
• M.A. in English / Literature, University of Houston

Professor Robson's research synthesizes practical maritime expertise with academic rigor, focusing on Navigation systems (Celestial, Terrestrial, Electronic), Shiphandling dynamics, Maritime Law/Regulatory frameworks, Security threats (Piracy, Human Trafficking), and Simulation-based pedagogy. Her work directly informs high-stakes applications like Exxon Valdez navigation reconstruction and Department of State briefings on Maritime Terrorism following the Kenya embassy attack.

As an industry advisor and expert witness, she contributes to admiralty litigation while maintaining active leadership in the Marine Society of the City of New York—serving over 20 years as Secretary and Board Officer to advance maritime education through scholarship programs.