Sean Burger, an administrative and technical specialist at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, recently celebrated a key milestone in his academic career: the publishing of his thesis from Naval Postgraduate School.
The thesis, which examined the use of opioid settlement funding, was the capstone of Burger’s Professional Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. Its public release marks the culmination of his recent scholastic efforts that also included a Master of Science in Public Health Sciences from Towson University. His research compared how several states allocate settlement funds for prevention, treatment, and harm reduction, identifying strategies for directing resources to areas of greatest need.
“It was challenging at times,” Burger said. “I would get to work as early as I could and study afterwards. There were a lot of late nights, but I’m very pleased I completed both programs on time.”
Burger, whose federal service spans 12 years, noted the release of his work coincided with his anniversary as a federal employee. The document is now available online through the NPS repository, Calhoun.
Burger began his federal service in 2013 with the Department of Veterans Affairs, processing claims on behalf of veterans. He joined Carderock in 2015, working in the Comptroller’s Office for nearly a decade in cost accounting, payroll, and funds management before transitioning to Corporate Operations. He also assists the command’s Equal Employment Opportunity office as a process mentor.
Burger said he finds the ability to help others navigate questions and processes most fulfilling. “I’m most proud of being productive and assisting the questions of individuals from parties both inside and outside of our organization,” he said. “Especially when I receive a thank-you email or letter.”
Applying New Skills to the Mission
As part of his MBA program, Burger developed skills in policy analysis, resource allocation, and systems thinking. While his thesis focused on opioid settlement funding, he said the broader lessons apply directly to his role at Carderock.
“It wasn’t just about the subject matter,” Burger explained. “It was about learning how to analyze complex problems, compare approaches, and recommend solutions. That’s something I can bring back to Carderock in the way we manage resources, track budgets, and support our mission.”
He added that the program improved his ability to organize and present data. “A lot of what I did was cross-referencing and putting information into tables and charts,” Burger said. “That carries over to the financial and operational work I do here, making sure everything aligns and we’re projecting what’s needed moving forward.”
Burger is considering doctoral programs in environmental and occupational health and is interested in connecting his studies to environmental safety and prevention work at Carderock.
Focus, Balance and Values
“I’d like to give my mom credit for these accomplishments,” Burger said. “Her upbringing helped me tremendously – to keep my head up and stay focused regardless of the challenges life has brought.”
Away from work, Burger stays active and finds balance through sports and community activities. “Outside of work and school, I recharge through baseball, basketball, hockey, and football,” he said. He also participates in Morale, Welfare, and Recreation programs at Walter Reed.
While colleagues know him for his focus and professionalism, Burger adds that he’s “not all business” outside of Carderock. What keeps him grounded, he said, is a simple principle: the Golden Rule. “To treat others as I treat myself.”
Burger’s mindset reflects the values Carderock seeks to strengthen across its workforce. The command encourages employees to pursue education, mentorship, and professional growth as part of NAVSEA’s effort to grow, attract, and retain a world-class team dedicated to the Navy’s mission.
Read Berger's thesis here: https://calhoun.nps.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/e1f4f46f-30ab-4ca9-8cd8-fcf7647853c9/content