May 2003

In July of 2002, after completing four-years of service with the U.S. Coast Guard, Denise Rucker Krepp began work as an attorney in the Office of Chief Counsel for the Transportation Security Administration.

Denise's duties at TSA have included reviewing and drafting legislation, Congressional testimony, regulations, and memoranda of agreements. In addition, Denise is the primary counsel for maritime issues including those concerning the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 regulations and delegation.

Denise graduated cum laude from George Washington University with a degree in international affairs. While at GWU, Denise studied in Spain during her junior year. This experience influenced her decision to attend the University of Miami School of Law. "I spoke Spanish and I studied abroad in Spain my junior year. I wanted a law school with an international curriculum and environment. The diversity of the UM Law community, with students from Central and South America, Cuba, and the other islands, made law school a very broadening experience."

Denise's favorite class at UM Law was International Law, taught by Professor Oxman. "It was a tough class, but now when I tell people I had Bernard Oxman as a professor in law school I get the 'wow, you must really know your stuff' reaction. He's incredibly well-respected." Outside the classroom, Denise had the opportunity to work as a student editor for Professor Oxman at the Law of the Sea Institute where she assisted in the preparation of papers for the Institute's annual conference. Another rewarding experience while at UM Law was working as a faculty research assistant. Denise worked for Professor Iglesias, researching international topics such as the creation of the International Criminal Court and the applicability of international law in U.S. courts. "It certainly helped to develop my research skills and it allowed me the opportunity to see what one of my professors was doing outside the classroom."

After graduating from the School of Law in 1998, Denise joined the Coast Guard. Having grown up in a military family and having already spent a summer working for the Coast Guard as a summer legal intern, Denise found the Coast Guard to be a natural transition and a good training venue to learn more about maritime law. "It seemed like everyone in the Coast Guard, from the Admiral down, was a graduate of UM Law." During her four years on active duty, Denise worked for the Office of Legislation and the Office of International Affairs. While in the Office of International Affairs, she assisted in preparing the U.S. delegations for participation in International Maritime Organization meetings. Denise also attended 22nd IMO Assembly meeting as member of US delegation.

Nearing the completion of her first year with TSA, Denise could not be happier. Having grown up on military bases around the country, Washington, D.C. has become a hometown for her and she feels a clear sense of purpose from her work. "The hours are long, but I work with some amazingly talented people, the environment is great, and I get a sense of fulfillment from helping to defend the United States. The mentality of the entire agency (TSA) is to make sure that the Nation's transportation system never again experiences an event like September 11th." In her spare time, Denise is working part-time on a master's degree from the Naval War College.