Student Internships

Valuable work experience in the nonproliferation field.
Updated: Jan 6, 2010

2003 Summer Undergraduate Interns Page!

During the Summer 2003, CNS hosted eight Summer Undergraduate Interns in Nonproliferation Studies.
Left to right: Armand Emamdjomeh, Rachel Schulman, Alexander Yabroff, Michelle Longmire, Leigh Aldrich, Risa Mongiello, Roman Sehling, and William Niebling


Armand Emamdjomeh, NISNP

University of Southern California
Major: International Relations/Russian

"I am working on several different projects here at CNS. First of all, I am contributing articles to the NISNP publication, the NIS Export Control Observer. I also research developments in nuclear-related facilities and border security to update the databases CNS maintains. Life in Monterey is great. It has such a small-town atmosphere, and is much more relaxed than the hectic big-city life of LA. It's also not far from San Francisco, which is an amazing city, and it's very easy to go up there for a day. It is a very environmentally-conscious community, focused on preserving the natural beauty of the landscape."


Rachel Schulman, NISNP

University of Georgia
Major: Germanic and Slavic Languages

"I am researching foreign nationals gaining access to Russia's sensitive technology. I am looking at who the proliferators are within Russia, which nations and entities are the recipients of the technology, and what Russia is doing to reduce the threat of further proliferation. Through my research and by being around CNS staff and students every day, I have learned more than I ever thought possible. I have fallen in love with Monterey-it is a beautiful city, and if you're ever bored, you can go check out the sea lions at the wharf!"


Leigh Aldrich, EANP

Denison University
Major: Political Science and East Asian Studies with a minor in Chinese

"My job description includes updating the China Profiles database with relation to the IAEA, NPT, and China's space program. I am also involved in an independent research project regarding China's space program, specifically its manned program, Shenzhou, the applications for this program politically and militarily and also how this program will affect international issues, such as cooperation in space. My internship while requiring lots of reading and writing is well worth it and makes it exciting to come to work each day. The people who I work with are extremely nice and helpful. This is my first time in California, and I am loving it. Everyday after work I am able to hike in the many parks surrounding Monterey Bay, such as Big Sur and Moss Landing. I also enjoy taking full advantage of the bike trail and being near the Pacific Ocean."


Risa Mongiello, IONP

Scripps College
Major: Politics and International Relations with a minor in Italian

"I work closely with IONP director, Jean duPreez on updating the Inventory of International Nonproliferation Organizations and Regimes. It has been fantastic working with this program. I am learning on a daily basis about the international community of nonproliferation. I research and write about many different areas of the field, which has given me a comprehensive outlook on the wide range of issues pertaining to international nonproliferation and disarmament. It's been great working for Jean, the director, and Garvey, the MIIS graduate research assistant, because they are both very easygoing, fun, and also professional colleagues. I know that with their help I will get a lot out of this internship! I must say, life here is pretty fantastic. Though it may be foggy and cool sometimes, when the sun comes out, you get to go to the beach!"


Michelle Longmire CBWNP

University of New Mexico
Major: Biology and Political Science

"I work for the CBWNP under the direct auspices of Dr. Richard Pilch and Dr. Ray Zilinskas. Currently I am working on a paper comparing international and national response measures to natural emerging disease outbreaks and evaluating what can be learned and improved upon for application in biological threat response. I have really enjoyed my internship! Everyone I have worked with has been exceptionally helpful and exceedingly knowledgeable. This internship offers an extraordinary opportunity to interact and learn from professionals in the field of nonproliferation. Monterey is a gorgeous place. The ocean views are out of this world and there are ample outdoor activities, including biking, climbing, and camping in the surrounding area."


Alex Yabroff, CBWNP

University of St. Andrews
Major: International Relations

"My main focus within the CBWNP is the WMD terrorism database. I assist in monitoring, profile research, and analysis of both WMD and conventional terrorism. I have been looking specifically at trafficking of radiological materials in South East Asia. Furthermore, working at CNS has provided a great opportunity to begin research on my masters thesis for my degree at St. Andrews. It has been a truly enjoyable and worthwhile experience. Despite the early morning fog, Monterey is an amazing city. With the CNS offices right downtown, the beaches are close, and the bars closer. It's great to get to spend a significant part of my day in such a great town.""


Roman Sehling, NISNP

Denison University
Major: Economics and Political Science

"I am working at NISNP focusing on nuclear submarines. It's great! You get to read about quite fascinating developments. The relaxed working environment is also very conducive to my over all satisfaction with my internship. Full-time staff members take you seriously and don't send you to make coffee."


William Niebling, EANP

Yale University

"I am working with the EANP with several different responsibilities. I help to sort the daily Profiler email, update pages on the China Profiles database and other CNS webpages, do research for Dr. Phillip Saunders and Stephanie Lieggi, and various other tasks. I really like my job. I get to do interesting and stimulating stuff, but the environment is really laid-back and fun. I went to middle school and high school in Monterey."

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