Applications for the Fall 2025 – Spring 2026 cohort will be open from March 1-15, 2025.

To submit your application, please have ready the following:

1. Resume

2. Personal Statement: Why do you want to join the SLP? In 500 words or less explain why you are applying to this program. Your answer should address your interests in security issues, qualifications (e.g. skills, internship/ work experiences, relevant upper-level courses), and how the program fits your academic and career goals.

3. An unofficial copy of your transcript (this should show all grades received in completed courses)

4.Writing Sample:  a short (500 words or less) sample of your writing uploaded as a PDF.

5. An optional lived experiences statement

6. Two UGA professors to serve as references (no letter needed)

Please direct all questions to Dr. Maryann Gallagher ([email protected]), Director of the SLP.

In the first semester of the SLP, students enroll in INTL 4415: Practicum–Methods and Issues in Security Studies. In this seminar-style course, students practice the policy memo writing, analysis, and oral briefing skills necessary for careers in security, and put them to the test in a 2-week simulation of the US National Security Council. They are also introduced to grant writing and write a grant proposal to further the mission of CITS.

In the second semester, students enroll in INTL 4425R: Advanced Research in International Security Policy, where they complete a faculty-supervised independent research project on an issue relevant to national, international, or human security. All students present their research at an academic conference and many submit their research for publication in undergraduate journals. See the “Independent Research Projects” link below for titles of recent projects.

SLP fellows have the opportunity to attend the annual CITS in DC Spring Break trip alongside students from the Master of International Policy program. While the itinerary for the trip varies from year to year, past trips have included visits to meet with practitioners from security-relevant government agencies (Department of State, Department of Energy/NNSA, Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, FBI, and intelligence agencies), think-tanks (Center for Strategic &  International Studies, Brookings Institute, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, CNAS), and government contractors.

In addition to the skills focus of the SLP, students participate in a professionalization series intended to prepare their application materials for internships, jobs, and post-graduation opportunities. Students also meet with alumni and visitors throughout the year, and participate in events hosted by the Center for International Trade and Security.

Isabel Bland

Isabel Bland is a fourth-year student at UGA from Peachtree City, GA. She is majoring in International Affairs and Political Science, with a minor in Criminal Justice, and in Law, Jurisprudence, and the State. Isabel currently works as a Resident Assistant (RA) for University Housing, a 20-hour position she has maintained while being a full-time student since January of 2022. As an RA, she is responsible for 36 to 40 first-year students, assisting them in their transition to college, and is on-call weekly, responding to various incidents. Isabel is involved on-campus through the Phi Kappa Literary Society, where she serves as Historian for the society. Additionally, Isabel has regularly volunteered at various animal shelters since her first-year at UGA through clubs such as Rescue Paws and Dogs for the Paws. During her third-year at UGA, Isabel gained research experience through the GLOBIS Human Rights Research Lab, where she coded data on the death penalty, and digital repression, and independently researched American perspectives on domestic organizations. After graduating, Isabel plans on attending law school.

Mackenzie Buck

Mackenzie Buck is a fourth-year student from Brunswick, Georgia, majoring in political science, public relations, and Russian. In addition to pursuing a major in Russian, she has trained intensively in language and culture as a student in the Russian Flagship Program. She has spent multiple semesters criss-crossing the globe, spending a semester at the University of Oxford and summering in Hawai’i, Latvia, and Washington, DC. Most recently, Mackenzie was a communications and marketing engagement intern with the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Washington, DC. During her time at UGA, she has served as a Resident Assistant in University Housing, worked as a photographer for the Russian Flagship Program in Riga, Latvia, and served on the executive board of UGA Votes. She has researched the federal judiciary, contributing to an NSF-funded project to build a database of federal judges, and has been an invited participant and honoree at hackathons at Harvard and Virginia Tech focusing on language learning technology. Mackenzie is a current PROPEL Rural Scholar and a member of the 8th cohort of the Applied Politics Program. In her spare time, she moonlights as a coach for middle and high school students in public speaking competitions. Upon graduation, she hopes to pursue a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship and use her communicative and cultural competence to advance narratives, ideas, and policies she finds important and impactful — no matter where they take her.

Valerie Cobb

Valerie Cobb is a fourth-year student from Stockbridge, Georgia. She is pursuing double majors in International Affairs and Political Science. On campus, she is involved in Peer Learning and Teaching Others (PLaTO).  Valerie will serve as a peer learning assistant for Comparative Politics during the fall semester of 2024. While in the SLP, she hopes to explore and conduct research on her interests concerning human security, human rights, and national security. After graduation, she hopes to further her education to pursue a career in government and public service.

Piper Duncan

Piper Duncan is a third year International Affairs student who began her graduate studies this semester as a member of the MIP Double Dawg program. This past summer, Piper worked at the Feminist Majority Foundation as a Political Research Intern in Washington, D.C. where she advocated for women’s reproductive rights and campaigned for the end of Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan. In Spring 2024, Piper took a semester away from UGA and lived in New Zealand where she worked for the Human Rights Measurement Initiative as a Survey Engagement and Operations Intern. On campus, Piper is the Senior Editor for the Georgia Political Review and is on UGA Model UN’s secretariat. Piper is interested in human rights, and has previously studied the subject on a study abroad in Ireland and through GLOBIS’s Human Rights Research Lab. After graduation, Piper plans to pursue a career in human rights in the nonprofit sector.

William Gonzalez

William Gonzalez is a fourth-year from Gainesville, GA, studying Political Science and International Affairs. He is also pursuing minors in Criminal Justice Studies and Law, Jurisprudence, and the State. William currently serves as a Communications Fellow for Senator Jon Ossoff’s campaign, coordinating media efforts, assisting with press releases, and conducting opposition research. His experience also includes working on developing the Federal Judicial Database, a comprehensive repository of information on federal judges. William’s research expertise extends to global security, as he served as the Lead North America Research Associate for The British Standards Institution. In this role, he developed country reports, analyzed security trends, and produced content on foreign policy and global security. William is actively involved in campus life. He is a Staff Writer for the Georgia Political Review, where he writes published articles and editorials on public policy and international affairs. Additionally, he serves as the Director of the Editorial for the Loch Johnson Society, overseeing print and editorial activities for the non-partisan foreign policy group. After graduation, William plans to attend law school, where he aims to apply his diverse experiences to make a meaningful impact in the fields of law and public policy.

Evelyn Hunter

Evelyn Hunter is a fourth-year student from Atlanta, GA majoring in International Affairs and Political Science with a minor in International Human Rights and Security. This past summer, Evelyn interned at The Nuclear Threat Initiative, a global security non-profit in Washington, DC working to reduce nuclear, biological, and technological threats facing humanity. At UGA, Evelyn is set to earn The Public Affairs Professional Certificate in Applied Politics, an interdisciplinary certificate between SPIA and the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communications. In Spring 2024, Evelyn studied abroad at the University of Oxford through the UGA at Oxford program where she took courses in Political Economy and International Law. She also participated in the GLOBIS Ireland Study Abroad Program in Summer 2023 to study human rights and post-conflict societies through the lens of the Irish Troubles. Evelyn looks forward to further developing her skills in the SLP and hopes to pursue a career in public service and international security.

Melanie Kim

Melanie Kim is a third-year International Affairs as well as Comparative Literature and Intercultural Studies major from Suwanee, Georgia. At UGA, she serves as Program Director of the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Political Alliance and a Mock Trial fall team captain. Melanie is also a Junior Advisor at the Office of Global Engagement and a former SPIA Ambassador. Over the course of her time at UGA, she studied abroad at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea and spent the past summer interning at an international business startup in Tokyo, Japan. Continuing from last year, Melanie’s current research focuses on analyzing US landmine policy. Through her participation in the SLP, she is deeply interested in exploring the intersection between synthetic biology’s role in weapons of mass destruction and open-source science.

Zach Leggio

Zach Leggio is a third year from Augusta, Georgia, majoring in International Affairs and Journalism, minoring in French and International Human Rights and Security and is working to attain certificate in News Literacy and the African Studies Certificate. On campus, Zach writes and edits for The Red & Black, is the managing editor of the Georgia Political Review and is a member of Redcoat Marching Band. He has also studied abroad in Florence, Italy and in Stellenbosch, South Africa through which he has studied the European Union, religion, democratic erosion and state repression. Finally, he has experience as a volunteer researcher with Action On Armed Violence. Zach hopes that his experience gained through the SLP, such as research skills, data analytics and policy analysis, will help kick-start a career in policy writing or political reporting.

Katie Moebes

Katie Moebes is a third-year student from Norcross, Georgia, majoring in International Affairs and Political Science. She is a cadet in Army ROTC where she is a member of the Ranger Challenge team and acts as the assistant S5 helping to manage the battalion’s finances and funds. On campus, Katie is a member of the 24/25 Applied Politics Cohort, along with acting as the Vice President for SPIA Student Union. Katie was able to present research on the current gender inequality that still remains and persists in the United States and what needs to be done to see parity. She was able to study abroad during the spring 2024 semester where she spent a term at The University of Oxford where she studied International Human Rights and War and Human Security. Katie had the opportunity to intern in the district office of Congresswoman Lucy McBath during the 2024 summer where she learned about constituent services and worked firsthand doing casework with constituents and agencies. Additionally, Katie is participating in the Young Women in Nonproliferation Initiative Mentorship Program with the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies. After college, Katie hopes to commission active duty as a second lieutenant in the Army and attend law school to become a JAG officer. As a JAG officer she hopes to work on the Special Trial Counsel to prosecute sexual harassment and assault.

Scott Stein

Scott Stein is a third-year student at the University of Georgia from Charlotte, North Carolina. Scott is majoring in Biological Sciences, minoring in International Affairs and Disaster Management, and is applying for Double Dawgs in order to get a Masters Degree in International Policy. He is employed by the Department of Justice, which he was turned to after completing an internship with the UGA Police Department. Scott is also an EMT and volunteers with Fort Mill Rescue Squad in South Carolina. He put the skills learned there and in public health classes to use during a year working as the First Aid Coordinator in the Athens Medical Reserve Corps. He has studied Hebrew and is very involved with UGA Hillel and Chabad. You can find him at Hillel or Chabad (or both!) every Friday night taking advantage of free dinner with friends. Scott has also been teaching Taekwondo for a little over 5 years. After college, Scott wants to gain experience in either the military or local law enforcement to make himself a better applicant for higher positions within the DOJ.

Lauren Thacker

Lauren Thacker is a second-year student from Cleveland, Tennessee studying International Affairs, Russian, and French. Before attending UGA, she spent nine months studying Russian intensively in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan as part of the US Department of State’s National Security Language Initiative for Youth. On campus, Lauren is an assistant editor for the Georgia Political Review and a part of the Mock Trial team. She is also an active participant in the Russian Flagship and serves as a student ambassador for the program. She tutors weekly through Athens Prison Tutorial, an organization focused on serving the educational interests of incarcerated people in the area. As part of the Security Leadership Program, Lauren hopes to further explore her interest in nuclear security, particularly within the post-Soviet sphere.

Ana Valencia

Ana Valencia is a third-year student from Marietta, Georgia, pursuing studies in International Affairs and Political Science. She is also currently minoring in International Human Rights and Security, and Law, Jurispudence and the State. This year, she will also be pursuing coursework for the Professional Certificate in Applied Politics at UGA. This summer, Ana had the opportunity to intern at the U.S. House of Representatives through the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, where she was placed in the office of Representative Joaquin Castro. On campus, Ana works as the Director of Digital Media for the Loch Johnson Society and as the Director for Layout at the Georgia Political Review. She is also committed in fostering the Latino community at UGA through her involvement in the Hispanic Student Association and Latinos Invested in the Students of Tomorrow (LISTO). While at UGA, Ana was fortunate to study abroad at Oxford, taking tutorials in International Law, War and Human Security and British politics. After graduation, Ana hopes to pursue a juris doctor, focusing on international Human Rights law.

Ryan Varma

Ryan Varma is a third-year student studying International Affairs and Business Management. A third culture kid, Varma spent his childhood growing up across six countries before making his way to the University of Georgia. Over the summer, he interned in the field of leadership development and coaching, where he contributed to training business clients on resilience in the post-COVID landscape. On campus, he is an active member of UGA’s undergraduate Mock Trial program, currently serving as its Tournament Director. As a participant in the security leadership program, he aims to merge his interests in international policy and law to advance human security.

Grace Walton

Grace is a third- year International Affairs and Arabic double major. On campus, she is involved in the Dean Tate Honor Society, UGA greek life, and worked as a SPIA ambassador. She also works as a political research assistant at the UGA Special Collections Library, working on a variety of political research projects, maintaining the library’s galleries, and helping with various class curriculums. Recently, she has participated in the UGA at Oxford study abroad program, where she took tutorials in War and Human Security and Arabic through Oxford University. Over the past year, she has worked on two open- source intelligence (OSINT) projects with the Defense Intelligence Agency, tracking conflict information in Iraq, as well as monitoring Iraqi media. She is also a current CNS Young Women in Nonproliferation Fellow, working with mentors to research nonproliferation issues and expanding her network in the field. Grace is hoping to pursue a career in national security, specifically pursuing a career in the intelligence field.

Lindsay Weinmann

Lindsay Weinmann is a fourth-year from Athens, Georgia majoring in International Affairs (security emphasis) and Asian Languages and Literature (Korean emphasis) with a minor in General Business. With a strong interest in northeast Asian affairs, Lindsay served as an American delegate for the 15th annual Korea-America Student Conference (KASC) in the summer of 2022. She then completed a year-long internship with the organization as the American Chair, where she helped design and run the 16th annual KASC. As an exchange student abroad Lindsay studied at Yonsei University, focusing on international security, US-Korea relations, and the Korean language. On campus, Lindsay served as president of the Korean Culture and Language Society for three semesters and remains an active member. In her free time, Lindsay enjoys volunteering in the Athens community as an ESL conversation partner. Due to this interest, she accepted an ESL internship in May 2024 to teach at Daegeon High School in Nonsan, South Korea, and plans on working with English for All as a tutor upon her return to UGA this fall. Lindsay is passionate about peace relations along the Korean Peninsula but is also ready to expand her interests in human security and social research this academic year. After graduation, she intends on building a career with cross-cultural values that serves to help others.

John Wilson

John Wilson is a third-year student pursuing a major in Economics with a concentration in Public Policy and a minor in International Affairs. A first-generation Jamaican American, Wilson served six years on active duty in the US Army, during which he attained an Associate of Science in Liberal Studies from Barton County Community College. He is currently a Staff Sergeant in the Army Reserve, where he trains and instructs soldiers in logistics management. While on campus, he coordinates and manages the Matzo Ball Soup program at Hillel at UGA, making and delivering soup and snacks to sick Jewish Dawgs. He is fluent in Spanish and currently studies Hebrew. While in the Security Leadership Program, Wilson anticipates pursuing research into Human Security, particularly regarding children’s and LGBT+ issues, as well as issues of global conflict resolution. Concurrent with the program, he also interns with the Department of State through the Virtual Student Federal Service program, working with the Vets@State affinity group. After graduation, Wilson hopes to pursue a master’s degree in security studies, Diplomacy, or International Economic Policy en route to becoming a Foreign Service Officer at State.

g

Vikram Bharadwaj

Vikram Bharadwaj is a second-year student from Buford, Georgia, pursuing degrees in Political Science and Health Promotion with minors in Japanese lit. and lang, public health, and international affairs. Having previously presented at SPIA’s Undergraduate Research Colloquium, Vikram’s passion for analytical, policy-focused research has taken him from Havana to Tokyo. While in Japan, Vikram explored the impact  of top-down health policy on the health of the urban-youth.  He has also worked with the Center for Disease Control, analyzing the effects of counteractive public health policy in metro areas. On campus, Vikram is a senior Editor and opinion writer for the Georgia Political Review and an international law writer for the UGA Undergraduate Law Review. Vikram is also a crisis delegate for UGA’s Model United Nations club, where he has won awards nationwide, and previously chaired and directed crises at UGAMUN-hosted conferences. He also serves on the club’s diversity equity and inclusion committee. Vikram plans to study abroad in Kyoto, Japan to expand his language proficiency. After graduation, Vikram seeks to pursue graduate school before ultimately going to law school.

Tessa Butterworth

Tessa Butterworth is a third-year honors student at the University of Georgia majoring in International Affairs and Psychology, with a minor in Chinese Language and Literature. At UGA, Tessa is involved with International Student Life as an International Orientation Leader and is an active member of the Asian American Student Association. She has conducted research abroad, utilizing literary analysis and qualitative methods to compose a comprehensive research paper on Scotland’s sustainable practices. Furthermore, she is an alumna of the UGA at Oxford and the Yonsei Summer School programs. Tessa’s research interests are interdisciplinary in scope and focus on the impact of societal and cultural norms on identities, politics, and institutions. This semester, she is serving as a research assistant for a cultural sustainability project, as she prepares for graduate school in Global Studies.

Daniella Davydenko

Daniella Davydenko is a third-year Honors student from Marietta, GA, majoring in Economics with a concentration in Public Policy and Business Analytics, and a minor in Law, Jurisprudence, and the State. This past summer, Daniella had the opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy with the SPIA a Firenze program, where she took classes on religion, international affairs and the EU and engaged with local security issues. She previously interned at a law firm, where she honed her skills in legal research and documentation. Daniella is also a dedicated fellow of the UGA Law Undergraduate Fellowship program, reflecting her commitment to exploring the intersections of law, public policy, and global affairs. Outside her academic endeavors, she works part-time in an Athens law firm and is a member of the Ukrainian Community of Atlanta. After graduation, Daniella plans to pursue a Juris Doctor, focusing on International Law, and hopes to blend her experience in economics, law, and international affairs to advance global human security.

Nupur Desai

Nupur Desai is a second-year student at UGA from Marietta, GA. She is majoring in International Affairs, with a minor in International Human Rights & Security. She is currently also pursuing a certificate in Data Analytics. This past summer, Nupur participated in the GLOBIS Ireland Study Abroad Program, studying human rights and post-conflict societies through the lens of the Irish Troubles. She hopes continue what she has learned as she gains research experience through the GLOBIS Human Rights Research Lab this semester. At UGA, Nupur is set to earn the Undergraduate Certificate in Data Analytics in Public Policy, which provides enhanced training in data collection, data management, data visualization, and data analysis and interpretation with respect to public policy. In her free time, Nupur dances as a member of UGA Asura, a Bollywood-fusion dance team here at UGA. She is also a student in the Jere W. Morehead Honors College, where she is a member of the DEI committee of the Honors Student Council. Concurrent with her studies, she also interns with the Department of State through the Virtual Student Federal Service program, working with the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta where she utilizes open-source intelligence (OSINT) to analyze corruption trends. After graduation, Nupur hopes to pursue a Master’s degree in International Policy here at UGA through the DoubleDawgs program. She is hoping to pursue a career in national security, specifically pursuing a career in the intelligence field.

Aiden Duffy

Aiden Duffy is a third-year student from Marietta, Georgia majoring in Political Science and International Affairs with a minor in Design and Media. Outside of the classroom, Aiden enjoys pursuing his passion for law and public speaking through a variety of extracurriculars. He is an active member UGA’s undergraduate Mock Trial team, serving as a captain and competing across the nation, where UGA has placed as a top fifteen school. Aiden also enjoys working as the creative director of the Defender Advocate Society, helping students understand their rights and opportunities when placed in UGA’s conduct violation process. Through UGA’s Office of Sustainability, Aiden enjoys having a creative outlet in his work as a graphics lead for the strategic communications department. Other recent work includes a summer internship with a criminal defense firm, helping prepare cases at the local level and shadowing litigation in municipal and circuit courts. Upon graduating, Aiden hopes to attend law school, and build upon his experiences at UGA to work in the fields of international law of policymaking.

Iman Khan

Iman Khan is a third-year student at the University of Georgia from Johns Creek, Georgia, majoring in International Affairs, Spanish, and Political Science, with minors in International Human Rights and Security, Communication Studies, and Law, Jurisprudence, and the State. This past summer, she participated in the SPIA A Firenze study abroad program, where she gained valuable international experience in policy and global affairs. This semester, Iman is taking part in the GLOBIS Human Rights Research Lab, where she will further her research on pressing human rights issues. Beyond her academic pursuits, she volunteers as a literacy mentor with the Books for Keeps program and serves as a Student SPIA Ambassador, where she helps internally and externally bolster SPIA’s reputation. Iman is also actively involved in campus organizations, holding executive positions in the Literature Club and the Pakistani Student Association and is the editor of submissions for Stillpoint, the on-campus literary magazine.

Emma Krdzalic

Emma Krdzalic is a third-year student at the University of Georgia, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs, Political Science, and Russian. As a first-generation Bosnian American from Lawrenceville, Georgia, Emma is passionate about international security, Russian and Chinese influence in Central Asia, and the intersection of nuclear security and power politics in middle-income economies. In Spring 2024, Emma participated in a study abroad program in Verona, Italy, where she engaged in cross-cultural learning while exploring Italy’s history and European political systems. During the summer, she embarked on a unique study abroad program in Georgia and Armenia, examining the complex interplay between geopolitics, Russian influence, and regional security. Her time in the Caucasus allowed her to observe firsthand the tension between tradition and modernization, as well as the legacies of Soviet influence on the region’s architecture, culture, and politics. In Fall 2024, Emma participated in the UGA Washington Semester Program, interning with the American Foreign Policy Council (AFPC) in Washington, D.C. At AFPC, she focused on Russia-Ukraine relations, Central Asia, and the Caucasus, contributing to publications such as the Russia Policy Monitor and Resource Security Watch.Emma’s work has been published by the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute, including her article, Tokayev’s Strategy: Balancing Regional Cooperation and Global Ambitions. On campus, she researched different forms of nationalism in the Balkans, focusing specifically on how they influenced the outcome of the Bosnian War and contributed to human rights abuses. Emma has honed her diplomatic and leadership skills through Leadership UGA and Model United Nations, where she represented Kazakhstan at the UNC Model UN conference. Emma’s international experiences in Italy, Armenia, and Georgia have deepened her global perspective, while her internship and research have equipped her with the skills to analyze complex geopolitical challenges. After graduation, she aspires to pursue a career in national security, addressing critical issues that shape global security and cooperation.

Mikayla Lachowicz

Mikayla Lachowicz is a third-year student at the University of Georgia from Falmouth, Massachusetts pursuing an International Affairs degree with an emphasis in Security and minors in Spanish and Aerospace Studies. Recognized for her academic excellence, she has earned the Presidential Scholar award for four semesters. In the Spring of 2022, she received the highly competitive Type 1 Air Force ROTC scholarship earning full tuition for her education for all four years. As a cadet in UGA’s Air Force ROTC program, she attended Field Training at Maxwell Air Force Base over the summer completing a rigorous three-week military encampment developing skills in leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving. She currently serves as a Cadet Training Instructor applying leadership skills to planning, teaching, and evaluating second-year cadets ensuring their preparedness for the extreme mental and physical challenges encountered at Field Training. Additionally, she serves as President of Silver Wings, a joint civilian and cadet organization that promotes community service, leadership experience, and defense education. Other high achievements include being selected for the United States Air Force Academy’s competitive SOAR program where she trained with the 94^th Flying Training Squadron earning her wings for program completion piloting the TG-16A glider. In addition, she is a current recipient of the You Can Fly scholarship for flight education to pursue a future career in aviation. Through her 10+ hours per week of dedicated work to the Air Force ROTC program, she hopes to graduate and commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

Hannah Lee

Hannah Lee is a second-year student from Newnan, GA, majoring in international affairs and public relations. With Dr. Jangai Jap’s guidance, she is conducting an independent research project on religious actors in Southeast Asia and their role in authoritarian regimes. Hannah hopes her study will add insight into when religious actors become involved in politics. Additionally, she codes Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) litigation for a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded project to build a database addressing FOIA resource challenges. In fall 2024, Hannah began interning with the Department of State through the Virtual Student Federal Service Program. She supports the press and public diplomacy team at the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs. At UGA, she serves as the managing editor for the Georgia Political Review and the civic engagement coordinator for the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Political Alliance. Hannah hopes the skills gained through the SLP will help her explore research interests in political participation and nuclear norms. After graduation, Hannah plans to seek higher education and a career in public service.

Francesca Mariano

Francesca Mariano is a third-year International Affairs and Political Science double major with a minor in Italian and a certificate in Applied Politics from Atlanta, GA. She serves as Legislative Senior Staff in the Representative Spencer Frye Fellowship and works as an Office Assistant for International Student Life. Previously, she was a SPIA Ambassador and held roles at an immigration law office and a foreign credential evaluation firm. Francesca hopes to become an elected representative in the future, looking to serve her constituents with comprehensive and intersectional policy that makes a difference in our world.

Nishat Nayla

Nishat Nayla is a third-year student from Chamblee, Georgia, pursuing degrees in Economics, International Business, and International Affairs. She serves as the Executive Director of Engagement for the Student Government Association, where she organizes programming that fosters collaboration between students, university administration, and the Athens-Clarke County government. Last summer, Nishat participated in the SPIA a Firenze program in Italy, studying European Politics and Religion. She also served as a legislative fellow for the Representative Spencer Frye Fellowship program, contributing to education policy research within the Education Policy Group. On campus, Nishat works as a public relations intern at the Georgia Museum of Art, where she writes for the blog and translates information about exhibitions and art publications into accessible content for students. Before attending UGA, Nishat published an article in the Yale Review of International Studies titled “Upholding French Secularism at the Expense of the French Muslim Identity.” Her current research interests focus on how trade policies and resource allocation influence gender dynamics, labor markets, and global governance. Upon graduation, Nishat aspires to further her education or pursue a career in international trade.

William Pace

William Pace is a third-year student from Donalsonville, Georgia, pursuing degrees in International Affairs and Russian. As a committed student in UGA’s Russian Flagship Program, he has been deeply engaged in the study of Russian language, culture, and geopolitics since his freshman year. In Spring 2024, William participated in the UGA Washington Semester Program, where he gained hands-on experience in public service and policy-making while interning in the office of U.S. Congressman Sanford D. Bishop. William also contributes to the UGA community as a tour guide for the UGA Visitors Center, where he combines his passion for storytelling and his love for the university to provide engaging campus tours to prospective students and their families. William’s research interests include Russian affairs, American foreign policy, and political disinformation. After graduation, he plans to pursue either further education or a career in the intelligence community.

Mary Wahn

Mary Wahn is a third-year student from Marietta, GA. Currently, she is pursuing a dual degree in international affairs and public relations while minoring in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). This past year, Mary had the opportunity to study at the University of Oxford’s Keble College and in Florence, Italy, where she took classes examining political institutions and human security. Mary previously worked at Historic Athens, a non-profit where she focused on community engagement and education on the city of Athens’ heritage, culture, and local issues such as housing insecurity. On campus, Mary is involved in the University Judiciary where she serves as an Advisor/Advocate and assists students throughout all stages of the university conduct process. Mary also writes for Loch Johnson Society’s Weekly Digest, covering current events in Sub-Saharan Africa. After graduation, Mary hopes to gain experience abroad in South or Central America and continue her education in international relations. She hopes to pursue a career in journalism where she will be able to educate the American population on global news and the importance of remaining involved in current and international affairs.

Alex Whirley

Alex is a third-year Undergraduate student at the University of Georgia from Alpharetta, Georgia. He is pursuing a double major in Political Science (AB) and International Affairs (AB) with a minor in International Human Rights and Security. Alex has a passion for human security and international relations and is currently enrolled in Georgia’s Double Dawgs program to get his Master’s in International Policy (MIP). In the summer of 2024, Alex studied abroad in Ireland and Northern Ireland as a part of UGA’s Center for the Study of Global Issues (GLOBIS) program, where he learned about post-conflict studies and human rights, using the Irish Troubles as a lens through which topics of state repression, protest, and violence were explored. On campus, Alex is a member of the Alexander Hamilton Society. This non-partisan, not-for-profit, national organization seeks to identify, educate, and launch young men and women into foreign policy and national security careers through discussion-based forums on international issues. In his free time, Alex is a section leader in the University of Georgia Redcoat Marching Band, pursuing his other passions of music, drums, and the performing arts. Alex’s research interests include state repression tactics, energy security, and terrorism. He plans to blend his skills in international affairs and international policy to pursue a career advancing global human security post-graduation.

Mark Zimmer

Mark Zimmer is a second-year Honors student from Carrollton, GA, majoring in international affairs and political science with a minor in Spanish and a certificate in applied politics. Mark is an opinion contributor for the Red & Black newspaper, an economic law writer for the UGA Undergraduate Law Review, and a member of the Dean William Tate Honor Society. Mark codes demographic data for judiciaries across the world for an NSF-funded project under the guidance of Dr. Gbemende Johnson. Outside the academic sphere, Mark is the Director of the UGA Model United Nations Conference, organizing 700 high school students in a weekend-long international policy-based simulation every January. Additionally, Mark is a competition delegate for the UGA Model United Nations Team, awarding in competitions across North America. He is the Director of Student Programs for the UGA Student Government Association, organizing events for students and faculty on campus. In the SLP, Mark hopes to study the U.S. relationship with Central American countries, specifically the effect of American leaders across the continent on immigration into the U.S. Mark is fluent in Spanish, and is excited to conduct research across language barriers in the SLP. In his free time, Mark loves to watch football, soccer, baseball, and the Simpsons. He enjoys an intense game of pickleball and intramural soccer, traveling, and cooking new foods. After graduation, Mark hopes to attend law school with specializations in criminal and constitutional law.

Fall 2024

Mark Adams – “The Sahelian Great Game: Sponsored Counterterrorism and its Soft Power influence”

Mercedes Bengs – “Mixing LAWS and Laws: An Analysis of Current U.S. and International Policy on Lethal Autonomous Weapons”

Frances Brantley – “The Dichotomy of Political Confucian Harmony: How Does Religion Affect Foreign Policy Decision Making?”

Grey Cohen – “Friends with Benefits: How Security Partnerships Influence U.S. Human Rights Reporting”

Justin Cohen – “Field Trip Foreign Policy: How International Congressional Delegations Affect Legislative Output”

Nicole Cortes – “Climate Denialism a Man Made Threat: International Law and the Question of State Responsibility”

Madelyn Fackler – “Democratic Erosion: Or How Authoritarians Learn to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb”

Kristalee Gonzalez-Perez – “Virtual Worlds of Influence: The Role of Role-Playing Video Games in Shaping Soft Power”

Christopher Haswell – “Unmasking an Artificial Industry: An Empirical Examination of the United States’ Post-AI Military Industrial Complex”

Mayukh Keelar – “Shed Some Light: Public Perceptions of Government Efficacy, Corruption, and Democracy”

Ashley Orlet – “Climate Finance and Conflict: Turning Down the Heat on Insurgency”

Sophie Radke – “When Soldiers do Drugs and Non-State Actors Sell them: An Analysis of War and Illicit Drugs”

Daniela Sanchez – “From Reactors to Reporting: How Reliance on Nuclear Energy Shapes Media Discourse”

Jessica Sobieski – “Warring with Wagner: Policy Solutions for Russia’s Use of Private Military and Security Companies as a Tool for Grand Strategy”

Adam Starks – “Lost Voices in Cultural Preservation: Cultural Heritage and the Broader Protections of Ethnic Minority Rights in Asia”

Elizabeth Trumpfheller – “Friends in High Places: How Great Power Security Assurances Effect Regional Military Conflict”

Spring 2024

Kiana Bussa, “Do States with Greater LGBTQ Inequality Engage in More Conflict? ’Gendered Conflict’ Revisited”

Scott Butterfield, “Alternative Framing as a Strategy for Successful Clean Energy Policy”

Clemencia El Antouri, “Tourism and Gender: Western Women’s Role in Middle Eastern Tourism”

Emily Ezratty, “Balancing Acts: The Unintended Consequences of Export Controls on Human Development”

Austin Fabritius, “Do Terrorist Organizations Employ Different Strategies When They Kidnap Different Victims?”

Julian Fortuna, “Do Bipartisan Statements Reduce Political Violence? A Real World Analysis”

Avery Jainniney, “‘Daddy Issues’: An Evaluation of Institutional Fatherhood Policies”

Matthew Lombardo, “A Comparative Analysis of the Political Resource Curse in Oil and Mineral Exporting States: Industrial Effects on State and Human Security”

Allie Maloney, “Women and Warheads: Human-Centered Approaches to Nuclear Security”

Sean Manning, “A Press-ing Presence: Evaluating Great Power News Media Investment Strategies”

Madison Park, “Navigating Dynamics of Cooperation and Contestation: China’s Revisionist Agenda”

Devi Patel, “Are Far-Right News Outlets Less Likely to Report on Women’s Physical Violence and Abuse?”

Brooke Sanders, “The Impact of Far Right Women in Party Leadership on Women’s Rights”

Feben Teshome, “AI and Elections: Assessing the Impact on Public Trust in Africa”

Ansley Whitlock, “Behind Closed Doors: Investigating the Shadow of Public Misogynistic Violence in Private Spaces”

Thomas Wilkerson, “Partisan Influences on Social Media Governance: Examining Hate Speech Regulation”

Spring 2023

Luke Caggiano, “The Russo-Ukrainian War and Support for European Defense Integration among EU Public Officials”

Sudhan Chitgopkar, “Trusting Zero-Trust: How Public Trust in State Financial Institutions Affects Cryptocurrency Adoption Rates”

Alex Drahos, “The Space Race: Examining Terrorist Attacks in Urban Public and Private Spaces”

Jacqueline Ganun,”Do Women Editors Lead News Teams to Report More on Sexual Violence During Conflict?
A Study of War Reporting in Ukraine and Tigrey, Ethiopia”

Sahar Joshi, “Sticks and Stones: Words as Modern
Warfare”

Daniel Klein, “Who Gets to Be Innocent? The Role of Gender in Civilian Casualties and Public Support for Military Action”

Riley Mied, “Does Ideology Influence the Perpetration of Domestic Abuse by Extremists”

Thompson Miles, “Inside the Mind of Whistleblowers”

Sofia Mohamed, “Forced Migration And Infectious Disease:
How Does Conflict Increase The Spread Of Infectious Disease?”

Alexis Nash, “Energy Catalysts: Are Women Driving the Energy Transition”

Shekina Shindano, “Invisibility is Not Superpower:
Intersectional Invisibility and Black Women in National Security”

Connor Stockenberg, “Democracy’s Rising Fever:
Democratic Erosion and the COVID-19 Pandemic”

Abby Then, “Education with Conditions: Analyzing the
U.S. Strategic Use of Foreign Aid”

Kevin Vega, “Dangerous Economies: The Environmental
Costs of Organized Crime”

Spring 2022

Olivia Bauer, “Insurgencies or Gangs: An Analysis of Service Provision by Criminal Organizations”

Dan Doss, “How Should Energy Security Influence Investments in Alternative Energy?”

Catherine Fender, “Terrorist Outbidding: The Effects of Leadership Decapitation on Terrorist Group Recruitment”

Haley Gamis, “A Chain Reaction: Evaluation of the Security Threat to Global Supply Chain Chokepoints posed by the Belt and Road Initiative”

Jeanelle Garcia, “Sexual Violence and the Welfare of Women in ICE Detention Facilities”

Hayley Hunter, “How NATO Has Used Environmental Security as a Strategy of Engagement”

Elizabeth Howell, “Kidnapping in Terrorist Groups: Money, Power, and Recruitment”

Patrick Jackson, “Comparative Analysis of UN and NATO Authorizations for Use of Force”

Sonia Kalia, “The Radical Right & Violence Against Women in Politics”

Julie Kettle, “The Yassification of the Radical Right: The Use of Homonationalism for Gender Diversification in Radical Right Support Bases.”

Simi Kolodka, “Lock her Up: A Gender Analysis of Violence Against Women in Politics & Extreme Right Recruitment Tactics”

Sophia Macartney, “Naming and Shaming: How Does Regime Type Affect Terrorist Organization Designation?”

Ashni Patel, “The Sexy Side of Development: Sex Industries and Global Development Projects”

Hannah Skinner, “Not Just a Man’s World: The Rise of Women’s Incarceration in Latin America”

Joshua Walker, “The Bit about BITs: Bilateral Investment Treaties and the Black Market”

Spring 2021

Ayah Abdelwahab, “Friends or Foes: An Analysis of Individuals Sanctioned Under the Global Magnitsky Act”

Mennah Abdelwahab, “Dangerous Women: Analyzing the Securitization of Female Protesters during the Egyptian Revolution”

Albert Chen, “Reforming United States Financial Regulation to Secure Economic Influence in Asia”

Annabelle Cochran, “Cannabis and the War on Terror: A Qualitative Report on the Impacts of Legalizing Marijuana on Counter-Terrorism Strategies”

Kendall Embry, “Slavery & Security: Preventing Sexual Enslavement in Terrorist Organizations”

Xzavior Goeman, “Insurgent Groups’ Bureaucracy and Intelligence”

Jonathan Lauria, “National Security Risk Management: Applying the Framework of Enterprise Security Risk Management to the National Security Context”

Audrey Park, “Reforming U.S. Countering Violent Extremism Programs through a Mental Health Framework”

Sahana Parker, “The Mind and the Military: Defense Applications for Emerging Functional Neuroimaging Technology”

Lindsey Rhyne, “From the Frying Pan into the Fire: Solutions for the US Asylum Seeker Immigration Process in the COVID-19 Pandemic”

Christopher Rosselot, “Health of the Nation or Health of the Nation? Analyzing State Intentions Behind Discriminatory COVID-19 Vaccination Plans”

Nate Shear, “How Should the US Approach High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium Fuel?”

Addie Sparks, “Rebel Leader Goals and Indiscriminate Killing”

Kat Symons, “The U.S. Army’s Attempt at Creating Lethal Combat Machines: An Analysis of the ACFT”

Andrew Zach, “‘Send Lawyers, Guns, and a Dispersal Notice’: An Analysis of the Insurrection Act of 1807 and Its Application to the January 6th Capitol Riots”

Fall 2020

Zainub Ali, “Tracking the Presence of Protest in Oil Wealthy Rentier States from 2014-2015 with the Existence of ‘Weather the Shock’ Economic Policies”

Ian Allen, “American Export Controls as Counter-China Trade Weapons”

Miranda Bourdeau, “A New Space Race: Space Weaponry of the United States, Russia, and China”

Adrina Bradley, “Sexual Violence & Disasters”

Mariah Cady, “The 2015 European Refugee and Migrant Crisis: Press Coverage Across Germany and the United Kingdom”

Nia Evereteze, “Female Recruiters for Terrorist Organizations”

Alex Fabre de la Grange “How Gender Impacts Equity in Terrorism Cases”

Alexa Hernandez, “Online Recruitment by Far-Right Groups”

Sam Lombardo, “How Regime Type Affects the Management Type and Zone Identification of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Latin America and the Caribbean”

David Mustard, “Exploring China’s COVID-19 Health Assistance Patterns in Latin America”

Natalie Navarette, “Russian Holistic Investment in Latin America: A Counter to the Security Interests of the United States”

Isaac Parham, “Running Down the Clock: How IGOs Are Addressing the Impending Climate Catastrophe”

Rehna Sheth, “A Comparative Analysis of Intra-state and Inter-state Violent Conflict on Education Enrollment and Completion Rates”

Emma Traynor, “Combating Illicit Firearms Trafficking from the U.S. to Mexico”

Micha Wallesen, “Nuclear Material Transportation Security”

Participants on the 2020 (top) and 2022 (bottom) CITS DC Spring Break Trip

Each year, students of the SLP and the MIP travel to Washington, D.C. during spring break to visit various security-related organizations, including government agencies and think tanks, and to network with UGA and SLP alumni.

This trip is made possible by the generous support of the Richard B. Russell Foundation, Mrs. Robin Benson, the UGA Parents Leadership Council, and alumni who donate to the CITS Student Fund.

Fall 2023

Clemencia El Antouri

Kiana Bussa

Scott Butterfield

Emily Ezratty

Austin Fabritius

Julian Fortuna

Avery Jainniney

Matthew Lombardo

Allie Maloney

Sean Manning

Madison Park

Devi Patel

Brooke Sanders

Feben Teshome

Ansley Whitlock

Thomas Wilkerson

Fall 2022

Luke Caggiano

Sudhan Chitgopkar

Alex Drahos

Jacqueline Ganun

Sahar Joshi

Daniel Klein

Riley Mied

Thompson Miles

Sofia Mohamed

Alexis Nash

Shekina Shindano

Connor Stockenberg

Abby Then

Kevin Vega

Fall 2021

Olivia Bauer

Dan Doss

Catherine Fender

Haley Gamis

Jeanelle Garcia

Hayley Hunter

Elizabeth Howell

Patrick Jackson

Sonia Kalia

Julie Kettle

Simi Kolodka

Sophia Macartney

Ashni Patel

Hannah Skinner

Joshua Walker

Fall 2020

Ayah Abdelwahab

Mennah Abdelwahab

Albert Chen

Annabelle Cochran

Kendall Embrey

Xzavior Goeman

Jonathan Lauria

Audrey Park

Sahana Parker

Lindsey Rhyne

Christopher Rosselot

Nate Shear

Addie Sparks

Kat Symons

Andrew Zach

Spring 2020

Zainub Ali

Ian Allen

Miranda Bourdeau

Adrina Bradley

Mariah Cady

Nia Everteze

Alex Fabre De La Grange

Alexa Hernandez

Sam Lombardo

David Mustard

Natalie Navarrete

Isaac Parham

Rehna Sheth

Emma Traynor

Micha Wallesen

Fall 2019

Matthew Aldridge

Robyn Anzulis

Marshall Berton

Rosa Brown

Christina Chu

Adriana Dale

Sam Daly

Chase Duncan

Avery Eddy

Emily Goggin

Eleanor Goldin

Griffin Hamstead

Jena Jibreen

Faeez Juneja

Rachel Markhoff

Anna Patterson

Ivan Ruiz-Hernandez

Emily Threlkeld

Spring 2019

Rebecca Buechler

Stephanie Cannon

Elizabeth Carter

Charley Claudio

Mary Beth Dicks

Arden Farr

Robert Gluzman

Nick Hughes

Dane Hulsey

Patrick Jenkins

Mary McCarthy

Thomas Russell

Matilda Segal

Meredith Van de Velde

Tricia White

Fall 2018

Allison Reid

Alyssa Hoover

Amanda Tysor

Celeste Norton

Joseph Atkins

Kadi Bortle

Kal Hicks

Karan Pol

Mary Craig Lindgren

Nicki Brown

Noble Jacob

Ryan Slusher

Samantha Barnes

SK Lasseigne

Zoe Bayer

Spring 2018

Austin Emery

Candice Lee

Caroline Gustavson

Erica Bressner

Folakemi Akinola

Grant Mercer

Jack Maerz

Joe Mahoney

Julia Ricciarduli

Megan Gillahan

Nia Harris

Seamus Murrock

Fall 2017

Austin Gignilliat

Bryanna Shook

Caleb Kirby

Cheikh Faye

Chloe Deitrich

Daria Kolpakova

George McCall

Haidi Al-Shabrawey

Kara Joyce

Louis Conde

Mauli Desai

Sierra Runnels

Swapnil Agrawal

Learn more about Sara Beth Marchert from the Fall 2016 SLP Cohort.

Learn more about Valerie Tucker from the Fall 2015 SLP Cohort.

Learn more about Austin Gignilliat from the Fall 2017 SLP Cohort.

Learn more about Kathleen Nisbet from the Spring 2015 SLP Cohort.

Learn more about Jack Slagle from the Fall 2011 SLP Cohort.

Learn more about Emily Threlkeld from the Fall 2019 SLP Cohort.

This past November, students in the Center for International Trade and Security’s (CITS) Richard B. Russell Security Leadership Program (SLP) spent two weeks in a simulation of the US National Security Council (NSC). This capstone of the first-semester practicum course of the SLP had each student assigned to play a member of the NSC, including the President of the United States, the National Security Advisor, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State, and regional advisors. The members of the NSC, were required to make decisions on several “ripped-from-the-headlines” foreign policy issues including a crisis stemming from Chinese aggression towards US Navy surveillance ships in the South China Sea, to a crisis in the Mediterranean potentially undermining NATO, to democratic protests in the Gulf region. In addition to these known situations, the members of the NSC had to respond to several unexpected crises, including a looming environmental disaster off the coast of Yemen. The crises were selected to challenge the members to consider the tensions between US strategic interests and values, to weigh long-term and short-term goals, and to experience the pressure of “drinking from the fire hose” as policy makers are expected to juggle numerous ongoing crises at once.

In addition to developing a rich understanding of each situation, members of the NSC became adept at writing policy briefs and memos with short turnaround time and briefing colleagues on developing issues.  Simi Kolodka, who served as President, said, “everyone was challenged to push themselves to not only understand and have the capacity to explain to others complex and nuanced topics, but to be confident enough to come up with solutions and defend [them] whilst cooperating with others to make said solutions better.” The individual research, rigorous debate, and teamwork led by President Kolodka and National Security Advisor Sophie Macartney, culminated in 4 presidential memoranda responding to the crises. Finally, the NSC also wrote a National Security Strategy for the Kolodka administration. This ensured the members would be conscious of long-term goals for the administration while responding to acute crises. When asked about the skills she developed, Ashni Patel, Advisor on Asia, said, “The NSC simulation taught me problem-solving, briefing, and communication skills. With numerous problems being thrown at us day-to-day, I, along with my peers, had to think creatively and quickly about solving issues.”

All CITS alumni and friends are invited to attend the 20th anniversary celebration of the Richard B. Russell Security Leadership Program (SLP) taking place on Friday, September 20, 2024 at CITS.  

Program: 

Thursday, Sept 19

7-9pm Dinner hosted by Gary and Joan Bertsch

Friday, Sept 20

9:15 – Breakfast

9:30- Welcome

10-11 – Round Table 1 – Strategic Trade, Nonproliferation, and Diplomacy

Student Moderator: Maddie Fackler

Alumni Panel: Jack Slagle, Savannah Blalock, Chris Tucker

11:15-12:15 Round Table 2 – Emerging Security Issues

Student Moderator: Adam Starks

Alumni Panel: Tricia White, Jacquelyn Harms Whitlow, Mennah Abdelwahab, Ayah Abdelwahab

12:30 – 2:15 Lunch & Keynote Address: Dr. Amanda Murdie, Head of the Department of International Affairs, Georgia Athletic Professor of International Affairs

2:30 – 3:30 SLP Future Security Leaders Round Table

Alumni Moderator: Mariah Cady

Student Panel: Alex Drahos, Sean Manning, Grey Cohen, Ashley Orlet, Jessica Sobieski

4pm Reception – The Globe

If you have any questions about the SLP 20th Anniversary Celebration, please contact Dr. Maryann Gallagher, Director of the Security Leadership Program, at [email protected] or by phone at (706) 542-2764.