Our student fellows program provides students opportunities to engage in real-world research and policymaking around issues at the intersection of new technology, security and governance.

2025-2026 Student Fellows

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  • Alberto Rodriguez is a graduate student studying U.S. Foreign Policy and National Security at American University's School of International Service.  His research interests include the use of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, in intelligence collection and analysis, the advancement of defense innovation, and the ethical challenges these technologies present.

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  • Sarah Schneider is a current Master of International Service student. She has previously worked for the Department of Defense as a political-military analyst and now implements federal international exchange programs with Meridian International. Her research interests are in frontier technology ethics and the advancement of inclusive, rights-based policies and governance frameworks.  

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  • Matthew Modlin is an MA student in International Development with a concentration in Digital Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance. Professionally, he designs and supports tech-driven programs that support effective e-governance, safeguard rights, and promote democracy. Outside work, he enjoys exploring tools which can protect privacy and digital rights, and volunteers for digital democracy organizations. His research explores how emerging technologies can increase democratic participation, embed transparency and accountability, and strengthen the resilience of democracies against evolving threats.

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  • Jihee Lee is a recent master's graduate from the International Service Track program in the School of International Service. Her research interests include the impact of emerging technologies on influencing geopolitics, defense and security strategies, and hybrid warfare, with a particular focus on NATO, transatlantic and Indo-Pacific security.

  • Daniel Kento Chavez is a graduate student in the U.S. Foreign Policy and National Security Program with a background in communications and multimedia production in government affairs and public policy. His research interests focus on U.S. AI governance and grand strategy, particularly strategies for addressing China's rapid technological advancement and intellectual property acquisition. 

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  • Kenzie Stoker is a JD/MA student at the Washington College of Law and School of International Service. Her research interests include state-sponsored cyber operations as well as the intersection between cybersecurity, law, and emerging technologies, specifically generative artificial intelligence.

  • Maddie is an American University Alumni with a degree in International Studies and a minor in History. Following her studies, she completed the CLS program in India and was a NATO Youth Challenge Winner. Maddie is training in wargaming and is pursuing research related to geopolitical technology competition—especially between actors in South and East Asia.   

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  • Ibi Kontein is a PhD candidate in International Relations at American University’s School of International Service. Her research explores the intersection of national and international security policies and their impact on women’s safety in conflict and post-conflict zones. Specifically, how strategies such as military intervention, counterterrorism, and reconstruction shape women’s physical security and socio-economic vulnerability.

  • Anthony Avice Du Buisson is a conflict analyst and researcher specializing in U.S. foreign policy, security, and human rights, focused on the Middle East and Eurasia regions. He is a graduate student and research assistant at American University’s School of International Service, where he is pursuing an MA in Global Governance, Politics, and Security as a Mustafa Barzani Peace Fellow. His work emphasizes Kurdish politics, securitization, and state-building. He has been published in The Jerusalem Post, The Times of Israel, and Tibetan Review and featured in academic journals such as the Johns Hopkins SAIS Journal of Global Affairs.

Student Fellow Projects & Publications

Interested in joining our student network?

Our fellows are given opportunities to participate in research and policy at the intersection of technology and security. They are mentored by our faculty and a broader network of academics, private sector innovators, policymakers, and civil society practitioners on projects that address emerging threats, develop practical solutions, and inform responsible technology governance. Fellows gain hands-on experience, mentorship from leading experts, and the opportunity to make an impact on real-world challenges.

Our call for 2026-2027 fellows will open in April 2026. Stay posted for more information.

CSINT Student Fellow Alumni Network

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Christopher Barclay (23-24)

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Devin Bae (24-25)

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Kylieanne Broughton (23-24)

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Kirubel Tadesse (24-25)

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Jessica Kenny (24-25)

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Chloe Kenny (24-25)

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Siddhant Kishore (23-24)

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Alexandra Klemer (23-24)

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Kyungsun "Kelsey" Lee (24-25)

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Lloyd Lewis (24-25)

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Anna Miskelley (24-25)

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Harrison Prough (24-25)

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Gavin Outlaw (24-25)

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Taylar Rajic (23-24)

Divya Ramjee (23-24)

Jake Sepich (23-24)

Joe Sturla (24-25)

Kirubel Tadesse (24-25)

Caroline Thompson (23-24)

Kathryn Urban (23-24)

Katie Yoo (23-24)

Dan Zacharski (24-25)