The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) held its 36th annual Manpower Systems Analysis (MSA) Thesis Day, bringing together senior Navy and Marine Corps leaders, faculty, and students to spotlight graduate research aimed at solving the Services’ most urgent manpower challenges.

Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Jeffrey Czerewko headlined the event, praising the analytical rigor and operational relevance of the four theses presented. Czerewko emphasized the value of MSA research in shaping Navy policy, offering students and faculty expanded access to data, stakeholders, and ongoing initiatives to accelerate impact.

The event—attended by more than 100 participants from across OPNAV, Marine Corps Manpower & Reserve Affairs, and other key organizations—included the remarks and engagement from NPS President retired Vice Adm. Ann Rondeau and Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Lt. Gen. William Bowers.

This year’s presentations focused on topics central to warfighter readiness: identifying innovative thinkers in the force, LCDR Rik Andrews, JAGC, USN; optimizing continuation pay using machine learning, Capt Nick Reynolds, USMC; evaluating leadership development programs, LT Rachel Taylor, USN; and analyzing the retention effects of service‑obligation length among Marine aviators, LtCol Kurtis Wrinkle, USMC. 

Lt. Gen. Bowers highlighted the real-world impact of NPS graduates, noting their critical contributions to Marine Corps recruiting and retention. SES Michael Melillo reinforced the same message, emphasizing the school's essential role in providing the analytical talent powering modern manpower decisions.

Dr. Marigee Bacolod, NPS associate professor of economics, as the Academic Associate for the 847 Manpower Systems Analysis (MSA) degree program led the efforts to organize this year’s MSA Thesis Day event.  The MSA Thesis Day, an annual tradition since 1990, is a Department of Acquisition, Finance and Manpower  (DAFM) event that showcases competitively selected student research that informs policy decisions at the highest levels. The integrated DAFM programs support vital core components of the Navy’s “Foundry,” advancing the data-driven systems that build and sustain the warfighting advantage. 

Senior leaders engaged directly with each student, requesting follow‑on studies, highlighting the relevance and impact of the work conducted at NPS, and affirming the continued support for NPS student and faculty researchers.

The MSA Thesis Day plays a vital role of showcasing critical research that directly informs personnel policies and addresses manpower challenges in the Navy and Marine Corps. By fostering collaboration between NPS, OPNAV, and M&RA, this event strengthens our mission to educate future leaders who will apply their critical thinking skills to enhance decision-making and optimize manpower strategies for the fleet. 

Questions/comments regarding MSA student thesis may be directed to Dr. Bacolod: email: mbacolod@nps.edu.