CIVS Researchers Visit Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor to Discuss Future Collaborations

On October 26, CIVS Senior Researchers Kyle Toth and John “Jack” Moreland visited Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor in Portage, Indiana and met with Ryan Mccoy, the Ports of Indiana Director, and Eric Powell, Communications and Business Development Manager.

During the visit, the group discussed potential opportunities for collaboration between CIVS and Ports of Indiana. Topics included a prospective Senior Design project for engineering students beginning in January 2027, as well as potential internship and contract research opportunities that could engage CIVS students and researchers with port-related initiatives.

Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor aims to highlight the port’s significant role in supporting regional economic development, both as a critical transportation hub and as a state-owned asset that facilitates industry growth and collaboration. Strategically located on Lake Michigan, the port offers multimodal access through maritime shipping, interstate highways, and rail connections, including links to multiple Class I railroad providers. Port leadership emphasized the importance of fostering partnerships among academia, industry, and local, state, and federal stakeholders to address regional challenges, advance innovation, and strengthen Northwest Indiana’s economic competitiveness. (https://www.portsofindiana.com/locations/burns-harbor/)