Dave Palmer Military Scholarship

Walden University's Dave Palmer Military Scholarship is awarded periodically to an exceptional doctoral student on active duty with a branch of the U.S. armed forces. Recipients demonstrate how a doctoral degree is a logical progression of their personal and professional development and how their dissertation research will contribute directly to the enhancement of the mission of his or her service.

Recipient: Lt. Eric Johnson

Program: PhD in Public Policy and Administration (Homeland Security Policy and Coordination)

Title: Commanding Officer, U.S. Coast Guard Southeast Regional Fisheries Training Center, Charleston, S.C.

How Walden Research Relates to Military Service: My dissertation research contends with the international problem of contemporary maritime piracy, which is an issue directly impacted by the U.S. Coast Guard. In fact, in my previous tour of duty aboard ship, we interdicted more than five foreign vessels engaged in activity that was in direct violation of resolutions passed by the U.N. General Assembly. The purpose of my study is to explore areas in which the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Maritime Navigation have been effective in mitigating the phenomenon of maritime piracy. Additionally, the research will attempt to identify areas of these policies that are lacking in their effectiveness and, hopefully, provide options for positive change.

Scholarship Information
For more information, see Walden Scholarships

Lt. Eric Johnson PhD in Public Policy and Administration (Homeland Security Policy and Coordination) Commanding Officer, U.S. Coast Guard Southeast Regional Fisheries Training Center, Charleston, S.C. My dissertation research contends with the international problem of contemporary maritime piracy, which is an issue directly impacted by the U.S. Coast Guard. In fact, in my previous tour of duty aboard ship, we interdicted more than five foreign vessels engaged in activity that was in direct violation of resolutions passed by the U.N. General Assembly. The purpose of my study is to explore areas in which the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Maritime Navigation have been effective in mitigating the phenomenon of maritime piracy. Additionally, the research will attempt to identify areas of these policies that are lacking in their effectiveness and, hopefully, provide options for positive change.