With a strong commitment to maritime education and workforce development, Dr. McMahon spent nearly a decade as an Assistant Professor at SUNY Maritime College, educating future licensed deck officers and teaching topics ranging from leadership to ship stability and cargo operations. Her academic background includes degrees from Massachusetts Maritime Academy, SUNY Maritime College, and the University of Antwerp (Belgium), where she earned both her master’s specialization in maritime research and a doctorate in Nautical Sciences.

Dr. McMahon also serves with the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine’s Transportation Research Board (Marine Board) and as a board member of the Virginia Maritime Association. In her current role, she coordinates and advances ODU’s maritime programs, research, industry outreach, and communications—working closely with regional partners across port logistics, maritime supply chain, and shipbuilding and repair. Under her leadership, ODU was designated a 2024 Maritime Administration (MARAD) Center of Excellence for Maritime Workforce Training and Education.