Center for Security Policy Studies

2017 Student Fellows

Katie Burdick is a graduate student studying International Security at Geoge Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government with a focus on cyber security and intelligence technologies. Originally from Utah, Katie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Media with a minor in Business. She is currently working on security-related media project geared toward intelligence analysts with a former George Mason University professor.

Matthew Fay is a PhD student in political science at the Schar School of Policy and Government and a defense policy analyst with the Niskanen Center. He has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Saint Xavier University and has two master’s degrees, one in international relations from American Military University and one in diplomatic history from Temple University. He has published research on nuclear weapons, co-authoring an article for the American Historical Review on nuclear forecasting during the Cold War and a proposal for changes in U.S. nuclear force posture for the Cato Institute. Matt’s research interests include U.S. foreign policy, grand strategy, and defense politics. His current research focuses on the politics of military innovation.

Daniel Fielden is a first year graduate student in the International Security Master’s program at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government. He is also completing a graduate certificate in National Security and Public Policy. He started in the security field by focusing on homeland security issues, specifically terrorism and CBRNE, as they relate to first responders (fire, EMS, and law enforcement). He works for a government contractor and is a volunteer firefighter in Loudoun County.

Carlton Haelig is a second-year graduate student in the international security program at the Schar School of Policy and Government. He is a New Jersey native and holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Rutgers University. Carlton is a non-resident junior fellow at the University of Pennsylvania Law School’s Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law where he is the Center’s primary policy researcher and lead author of their national security paper series. In his role, he has participated in the briefing of senior military and government officials on a range of security issues. Additionally, Carlton is a research assistant for the Office of the Secretary of Defense Historical Office located in the Pentagon. His areas of interest include grand strategy, military innovation, hybrid and emerging conflict environments, belligerent non-state actors, and military history.

Faith Hawkins is a junior completing her B.A. in International Politics at the Schar School. She is also completing an honors thesis while minoring in intelligence and Spanish. Her research interests lie at the intersection between international security and multilateral institutions.

Nate Jones is a second year masters student studying International Security at George Mason University’s Schar School of Polcy and Government, with an emphasis on intelligence, terrorism, and national policy. He currently works as a “security training specialist.” Nate graduated with honors with a B.A. in communications from St. Andrews University in North Carolina. Having grown up in the D.C. area and worked with both nonprofits and government-centered organizations, he is excited to learn about national security and hopes to make his own contribution.

Katleen Lackey is a graduate student in the International Security Master’s program at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government. She is a recent graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in International Studies with a concentration in International Political Economy. She has studied abroad in China and Jordan. She is currently working as a research assistant for Societal Systems Research Inc. and her primary interests include intelligence, counter-terrorism, and conflict resolution.

Joshua Lee is a second year Science and Technology Policy PhD student at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government.  His research primarily focuses on the intersection of emerging technologies and US foreign policy.  Prior to entering GMU, he worked at Accenture Federal Services developing biometric security systems for the Department of Homeland Security.  He obtained his MA in US Foreign Policy from American University, and a Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Technology from University of Maryland, University College.

Joe Petrucelli is a PhD student in political science at the Schar School of Policy and Government and a senior program analyst with the Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. He has a bachelor’s degree in history from the United States Naval Academy and has two master’s degrees, one in national security affairs from American Military University and one in military history from the George Washington University. He previously served as a submarine officer in the U.S. Navy and is currently a naval reserve officer specializing in Theater Anti-Submarine Warfare. Joe’s research interests include U.S. foreign policy, strategic stability, and force posture. His current research focuses on deterrence in the second nuclear age.

Lee Roberts is a Master’s Degree student in the International Security Program at the Schar School of Policy and Government.  His research interests focus on interstate security cooperative relationships and South Asian regional security.  Lee is an active duty U.S. Army Strategic Intelligence Officer and a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point.