Ryan Burk
2018 Saratoga Fellow
Ryan Burk graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 2018 with a degree in civil engineering. His studies culminated with a capstone project focused on coastal resiliency, emphasizing the improvement of the Coast Guard’s waterfront infrastructure. Upon graduation, Ryan will be actively serving in law enforcement, search & rescue, and aids to navigation missions. He will be stationed in Apra Harbor, Guam, aboard the USCGC SEQUOIA as a deck watch officer.
Throughout his time at the Academy, Ryan was involved in a broad range of clubs and activities. He participated as a member of the Academy’s Model United Nations team, being selected to represent his team at the 2017 World MUN competition in Montreal. In his second year, he pursued a national EMT certification at Connecticut College. Using his certification, he volunteered as an EMT/Firefighter at Old Mystic Fire Department and served as the Director of the Academy’s EMS Club. He picked up powerlifting during his senior year, qualifying to attend the 2018 USAPL Raw Collegiate National competition at Texas A&M University.
Ryan believes that his greatest accomplishment at the Academy was finding his faith during the spring semester of his junior year. Ever since, he has been an active participant in the Academy’s Officer Christian Fellowship chapter, in addition to serving at his local church. Following his service in the Coast Guard, he aspires to attend seminary school with a focus on church planting. Ryan is excited for the challenges and opportunities of the Saratoga Fellows program, and hopes to carry those lessons forward into a life of public service.