Students in Niagara University’s supply chain management certificate program visited the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission’s U.S. headquarters on Jan. 16, 2026, to learn how the unique, binational organization oversees the operations of the Rainbow, Whirlpool Rapids, and Lewiston-Queenston bridges.
Ken Bieger, chief executive officer, and Stephanie Dafoe, chief operating officer, met with the group to discuss the policies and procedures that govern the three international bridges, which are the second busiest port of entry between the United States and Canada, as well as the customs and immigration facilities on both sides of the border.
“Our students had the opportunity to learn the importance of a critical, well-structured, and integrated bilateral operation between the U.S. and Canada,” said Dr. Fernando Naranjo, assistant professor and director of the NU Center for Supply Chain Excellence, who accompanied the 15 students along with Phil Catanese, director of centers and outreach. “The tour illustrated how the use of the latest technologies for monitoring and data analysis of flows of people and cargo across three bridges in the Niagara region can improve the efficiency of supply chain systems and can also facilitate and promote international trade.”
Students appreciated hearing how the concepts they learned in class apply in the real world.
“The site visit showed how transportation infrastructure, risk management, and coordination across organizations are essential to keeping goods and people moving smoothly across international borders,” said Guiliana Maglio.
“Overall, the site visit reinforced the idea that supply chain efficiency depends not only on logistics providers and manufacturers, but also on well-maintained, technologically advanced, and resilient public infrastructure,” added Anta Kabir.
“This trip today not only showed me how important these bridges are to our trade and supply chain, but also opened my eyes to all kinds of new obstacles that are present in supply chains that I never would have thought of before,” said Carter Aarts.
The visit was particularly interesting to Canadian student Matteo De Benedetti.
“I gained a lot of insights,” he said, noting he especially enjoyed learning about the high-tech security cameras and inspection terminology because he crosses the border every day to attend school. “This was valuable information, and I was glad to take part in it.”
“The overall experience of this trip to the bridge commission was great,” said Cullen Hurley. “I enjoyed learning about all of what goes into making the borders run smoothly. It was a great mix of having that cool aspect to it and still learning about supply chain and how the supply chain has an impact on the border.”
The event was organized by the Center for Supply Chain Excellence. The center’s supply chain management certificate program is a weeklong seminar designed to give participants a broader perspective on management and drivers of the supply chain. Through courses and site visits, participants are introduced to key management concepts and have the opportunity to discuss leading-edge practices and current issues.
