Thomas Tao
Intern
CNS Project: EANP
Dartmouth College
Major: Government and East Asian Studies

"My summer at CNS was truly an enlightening experience. Between going to insightful lectures and conducting rigorous research work, I learned invaluable lessons that will shape my academic career for years to come. This program succeeds because it allows students to directly interact with leading specialists in the field of nuclear nonproliferation, who are truly excited and passionate about their work. They are eager to share their knowledge with whoever is interested in learning about an increasingly important issue in global affairs. At the same time, students have the opportunity to directly meet and talk with the shapers of global affairs, such as when the South Korean ambassador to the UN came to give a lecture.

My summer tenure at CNS revolved around the East Asia Nonproliferation Program (EANP). My main task was to examine China's nuclear reactors and refinery capabilities. Unlike in school, where political theory dominates most classes, at CNS I was able to examine the fine details and tangible objects that shape international relations and politics. The faculty and staff were a wonderful source of guidance who allowed me to pursue my own interests my way. Without them I would never have had such a successful time at CNS.

The wonderful people, academic environment, and genuine passion for learning prove why CNS is one of the nation's leading institutions studying nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament. They are driven and focused on tackling any present nonproliferation issues that trouble the world today, all the while training the next generation to ensure the peace of tomorrow."

Li Schmidt
Intern
CNS Project: IONP/NISNP
UC Berkeley
Major: Peace and Conflict Studies

Watch Li Schmidt's Video

"I have learned a tremendous amount of information about nonproliferation issues in my summer at CNS. I interned both with International Organizations and Nonproliferation Program (IONP) and with the Newly Independent States Nonproliferation Program (NISNP). This gave me the unique opportunity to research a wide range of topics, from developments in International Organizations such as the CTBTO, to the chemical and biological weapons programs in the Former Soviet Union. Working for both programs also gave me an opportunity to double my interactions with CNS staff, from whom I have learned a lot during the course of the internship. Although my original interest was in IONP, I am glad I was able to expand my knowledge base in an area of the world I was less familiar with, namely, Russia and the Former Soviet Union.

Throughout the summer, I have felt my research skills grow and improve. In addition to working for IONP and NISNP, I was able to pick a direction for a research topic based on my interest in the humanitarian aspect of nonproliferation and disarmament. I plan to carry the research I have done on this topic into my studies at UC Berkeley. While I have been exposed to a wide range of nonproliferation issues this summer, I have also discovered that there is much more to learn. I am definitely considering a career in the future in or related to the field of nonproliferation.

The internship at CNS not only introduced me to many of the leading researchers in a wide range of topics in the field of nonproliferation but also introduced me to other undergraduates with similar interests, who I plan to keep in contact with in the future."

Ambika Natesh
Intern
CNS Project: NTI, Middle East
Brown University
Major: International Relations Middle East Focus

Watch Ambika Natesh's Video

"I thoroughly enjoyed my summer internship at CNS. I had little to no knowledge of nonproliferation and disarmament issues before coming, but that changed rapidly. The ongoing lectures and seminars that CNS sponsors and encourages interns to attend are informative not only on the level of background and history of nonproliferation issues but also with regard to current analysis and policy implications. The staff members at CNS are also a wonderful resource - the experience and insight they bring to the issues is incomparable.

There are two things that make an internship at CNS stand out. First, the people: as I mentioned, CNS staff are incredibly experienced, and they're also willing to talk to students. There are multiple opportunities to work closely with them on any number of projects. The second outstanding thing about CNS is the commitment to giving interns substantial work - there will be minimal filing and paperwork here. Interns are encouraged to take on projects and conduct independent research, and it's a great opportunity for anyone interested in global security and wanting to pursue a career in that or security/defense studies. My time at CNS definitely gave me clearer insights into what I want to do after graduating and I hope to have the chance to work with the staff there again in the future."

Aaron Bos-Lun
Davis UWC Fellow
CNS Project: Independent research project with Jessica Varnum
Wheaton College
Major: Political Science and International Relations

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"My summer internship at the Center for Nonproliferation Studies was rewarding and illuminating on several levels. I gained a broader and deeper understanding of security issues, both domestic and international, and was able to learn from world-class non proliferation experts. As an American political science student who hopes to enter public service one day, I know that I will profit well into the future from the knowledge that I acquired during my time as a Davis UWC Fellow at CNS.

I also benefited greatly from the people with whom I associated at CNS. The other undergraduates in the program were a talented and stimulating group. We all brought different backgrounds and strengths to this endeavor, which made our conversations and time spent together generally intellectual, mutually stimulating, and enjoyable. The CNS and Monterey Institute faculty and staff were extraordinarily warm and welcoming, and my staff mentor, Jessica Varnum, was an exceptional resource and guide throughout my experience. I was also deeply impressed with the scholar-practitioners who constitute the staff and faculty at CNS. For example, during the May 2010 NPT Review Conference, several CNS experts were members of various national delegations and, thus, were able to offer their valuable first-hand perspectives on the Conference. Through real-life lectures such as these, in addition to my own independent research, I gained a broader perspective on the dynamics that shape our world and will be more effective in my future endeavors because of it."

Lukas Strobl
Davis UWC Fellow
CNS Project: EANP
Middlebury College
Major: International Studies (focus on East Asia and Political Science)

Watch Lukas Strobl's Video

"My summer fellowship has taught me invaluable skills in independent research and writing. Working alongside experts and arms control policy veterans in the EANP office, I got many insights into a topic rarely covered in undergraduate curricula. The East Asian Nonproliferation Program offered resources and advice to help me dive into the Issue of conventional ballistic missile technology and its impact on power balance in the West Pacific.

My CNS work in East Asian Security Issues will certainly affect my choice of courses in my upcoming semester in Tokyo. As for the remainder of my Middlebury years, I intend to build on what I have learned here.

The center, just like the town of Monterey, has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Alongside my research work, I have had the opportunity to make friends at - and outside of - CNS. Whether that means joining a Hawaiian Outrigger Paddling club or helping to tend to the Institute's own organic garden, there are plenty of ways to fall in love with the place."