CHDS Internship Program
» Program Overview
CHDS has an active and ongoing Internship Program. We accept applications on a continuous basis. The program affords individuals valuable experience working on defense and security issues affecting the Americas. CHDS Interns work side by side with world renowned Faculty and Professional Staff on a multitude of important international security policy issues. Interns will have the opportunity to work in a multicultural environment on the campus of the National Defense University. For more information or to apply, please email Jeff Murphy, Chief of Adminstration. Please visit the D.C. Housing Guide for more information on housing options in the Washington Metropolitan Area.
The William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies appreciates the level of interest in our Internship Program, but at this time our summer program is completely subscribed. If you are interested in seeking placement for the Fall 2013, we would encourage you to apply as positions fill up early.
The Perry Center gives a warm welcome to our new Summer 2013 Interns!
AshLeigh Uhler : Pennsylvania State University
Landon Hankins : Howard Payne University
Raúl Quintana : Harvard University
Jeanne Almeida : Pennsylvania State University
Ian McMurty: Johns Hopkins University
Stacey Emker : Seton Hall University
Ada Cruz-Torres : University of Florida
Sydney Skinner : University of New Hampshire
Brittney May : University of Texas- Austin
Jill Semarini - Pennsylvania State University
ManoLasya Perepa : University of Illinois
Megan Lucas : Syracuse University
Jonathan Burling : Monterey Institute
Tyler Owens : Johns Hopkins University
Stephen Farshing : University of Texas
Emily Halstead : Virginia Tech
Walden Davis : Yale University
»Spring 2013
Patricia Baranda Carmona
Paty Baranda received her BA in International Affairs at the Facultad de Ciencias Politicas y Sociales (FCPyS) at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM). She is currently seeking a Masters degree in International Affairs Studies at the Postgraduate of Facultad de Ciencias Politicas y Sociales (FCPyS) at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), with orientation in National Security and Cooperation with the United States. Paty's Masters Thesis Project is entitled "The Cooperation between Mexico and the United States about Maritime Security against Organized Crime: 2000-2012". Also, she participated in a research stay at the Centro de Estudios Superiores Navales (CESNAV) of the Secretaria de Marina Armada de Mexico (SEMAR) from May 2012 to February 2013. During Paty's time at CHDS, she will be helping Dr. Escamilla-Hamm.
Arie Bogaard
Aire Bogaard is currently in his second semester of undergraduate school at George Mason University. He is majoring in International Government and Politics. During his internship at CHDS, Arie will be assisting Director Richard D. Downie and Deputy Director Kenneth LaPlante with their various endeavors.
Emily Bushman
Emily Bushman is a junior undergraduate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is majoring in Political Science and Peace, War and Defense, with a minor in History. This spring, along with other fellow Tar Heels, Emily is participating in the UNC Honors Burch Field Research Seminar Program, which offers her the opportunity to live and work here in Washington. For her internship with CHDS, Emily assists Celina Realuyo, Assistant Professor of National Security Affairs, with her ongoing research projects.
Rosa Covarrubias
Rosa Covarrubias is a second year graduate student in the International Peace and Conflict Resolution program with a concentration on Counterterrorism at American University. She graduated from Seattle Pacific University with a double major in International Affairs and Sociology in 2011. Rosa is currently assisting Professor Jaime Garcia who is working on publishing his academic articles.
Abigail Diaz de Leon
Abby Diaz de Leon is currently working on her second year as an undergraduate at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. She is a double major in Political Science and Global Studies with a minor in Global Security. Abby's region of concentration is Latin America with a thematic in security and human rights. At CHDS, she will be assisting Dr. Patricia Escamilla-Hamm in her work with combating transnational crime.
Cole Gibson
Cole Gibson is a a sophomore undergraduate majoring in Government and Politics at the University of Maryland, College Park. She is also part of the Honors International Studies Scholars program and Federal Semester program for Homeland Security at the university. At CHDS, Cole will be assisting Dr. Luis Kun with various research papers and projects.
Jeffrey Goldberg
Jeffrey Goldberg is a graduate of the University of Virginia and is currently a graduate student at Penn State University's School of International Affairs. He will receive a masters degree in International Affairs with a focus on international governance and American foreign policy. Jeffrey is currently assisting Dr. Michael Gold-Biss with a variety of research projects.
Emily Greiner
Emily Greiner is a junior undergraduate at the University of Maryland at College Park. She is majoring in Arabic Studies with a triple minor in Global Terrorism Studies, International Development & Conflict Management, and National Security & Intelligence. Emily is also a program participant of a Department of Homeland Security funded Career Development Program: "Emerging Global Security Initiative". At CHDS, she will be assisting Dr. Luis Kun on various research papers and projects.
Patrick Hernandez
Patrick Hernandez is a graduate in the Security Policy Studies program at The George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs, where he studies transnational threat networks and energy security. He has lived and worked in Mexico and Chile, and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Notre Dame in 2012 with a BA in political science. He is currently assisting Dr. Michael Gold-Biss with the development of an updated defense economics bibliography, and is working with Isidro Sepulveda on a research project analyzing perceptions of United States foreign policy toward Latin America in the fields of security and defense.
Breno Maciel
Breno Maciel is a Brazilian undergraduate at Duke University. He is majoring in Political Science with a concentration in Peace, Security, and Conflict. This spring, Breno is participating in the Duke in DC program, which offers students the opportunity to live, work, and study in Washington DC. While interning at CHDS, Breno will be assisting Professor Isidro Sepulveda and working on his honor thesis, which will cover US diplomatic and military relations abroad.
Luis Martinez
Luis Eduardo Martinez is a Venezuelan graduate from the Johns Hopkins University, with a BA in International Studies and Russian. Luis focused his degree in political theory, and the evolution of International Relations. At CHDS, he assists General Carlos Ospina in ongoing research projects, and Professor Pedro de la Fuente in defense and security research.
Mirella Nunes
Mirella Nunes is a senior at the University of D.C., where she majors in Business Management with a concentration in International Business.
Cynthia Salarizadeh
Cynthia Salarizadeh is a rising senior at the University of Pennsylvania, where she majors in International Relations with concentrations in international security, diplomacy, and strategic communications, and a minor in Middle Eastern Studies. Cynthia holds an Associate's Degree in Law/Government/Politics with honors from Camden County College, as well as a certificate from the Institute on Political Journalism from Georgetown University with The Fund for American Studies. At CHDS, Cynthia will be assisting both Boris Saavedra and Manuel Lora with research on international security in Latin America, defense transformation, stability operations, and new threats.
Karinne Smolenyak is currently a sophomore at the University of Michigan, where she studies political science and international studies with a sub-plan in international security, norms, and cooperation. At CHDS, she is assisting Dr. Evan Ellis with his research on the growing Chinese influence in Latin America.
»Fall 2012
Joseph Barron graduated from Brown University in 2006 with an M.A. in History, concentrated in Military History, and from The Elliott School in International Affairs in 2011 with a Post Graduate Certificate in U.S. Foreign Policy. Prior to attending graduate school, Joseph studied History and Classics at Duquesne University. At CHDS, Joseph is assisting Dr. Scott Tollefson with research pertaining to Brazilian security and defense issues.
Helen Beckner
Helen Beckner is a senior at University of Wisconsin- Madison. The Division of International Studies at the university selected her and ten other undergraduates to participate in the Washington D.C. Fall Semester in International Affairs. At CHDS, Helen is assisting Dr. Patricia Escamilla-Hamm with her research in combating transnational criminal organization in the U.S. and Mexico.
Cristina Blain
Cristina Blain graduated in 2009 from Universidad Externado de Colombia in Bogota, where she studied Government and International Relations. During Cristina's senior year, she came to Washington D.C. for an exchange program with American University to study U.S. foreign policy and international law and organizations. After her time at American University, Cristina returned to Colombia to work for the Presidential Program on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. She just finished her Masters Degree in International Security, Defense and Business Intelligence at the University of Nice in France.
Rachel Brush
Rachel Brush recently graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor in International Affairs, concentrating on security and foreign policy. At CHDS, she is assisting Dr. Howard Wiarda with editing and publications. She is doing additional work for Dr. Luis Bitencourt, as well.
Philip Cofone
Phil Cofone graduated Magna Cum Laude Latin Honors from American University in May 2012, where he earned a B.A. in International Studies with a concentration in U.S. Foreign Policy. He has had a variety of internship opportunities and has accumulated over two years of abroad experience as a resident, student, and tourist. Phil is working with Dr. Evan Ellis on Chinese influence in Latin America.
Florian Decludt
Florian Decludt is currently a first-year graduate student in International Affairs with a concentration in International Security Policy at the Elliott School of International Affairs. Prior to attending graduate school, Florian studied international business at the Ecole Superieure des Sciences Economiques et Commerciales (ESSEC) in Cergy, France and at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. He is currently assisting Dr. Luis Kun researching security and critical infrastructure issues in the region as well as the social impact of government research efforts.
Peter Demers
Peter Demers got involved in Latin American Studies during his undergraduate studies at Washington University in St. Louis, where he double-majored in International Area Studies and Spanish and participated in study-abroad in Santiago, Chile. While in South America, Peter managed to explore Argentina and Brazil as well. After graduation, he worked at an NGO involved in drug and gang prevention in Nicaragua as a grant writer, supervisor, English teacher, and farmer. After leaving his position earlier this year, he backpacked through Central America. Peter came back to begin his MA in Latin American and Hemispheric Studies with a focus on Security and Political Science at George Washington's Elliott School.
Rory Flynn
Rory Flynn attends The Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University. He is pursuing a Masters degree in Security Policy Studies with concentrations in Transnational Security and Resource Security. At CHDS, Rory assists various professors in their research projects. Prior to graduate school, he studied abroad in Ecuador and attended the Washington Semester Program at American University, while majoring in International Studies at Bridgewater College in Virginia.
Maria C. Gonzalez Vargas
Maria Camila Gonzalez is a senior student of Finance and International Affairs at Universidad Externado de Colombia. She is currently studying foreign policy abroad in Washington DC, at American University. At CHDS Maria Camila is working with the Chief of Protocol, Maria Fernanda Martinez .
Stephanie Linares
Stephanie Linares is a second year graduate student in the Defense and Strategic Studies program at Missouri State University. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a double major in anthropology and criminology/criminal justice in 2011. Stephanie is currently assisting Professor Pedro de la Fuente, General Ospina and Dr. Alejandro Arbelaez.
Mary Joe Meija
Mary Joe Meija is a senior at The University of Scranton, where she is majoring in both International Studies and Latin American Studies with minors in Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese. She has studied abroad in São Paulo, Brazil and has lived in Honduras. This semester Mary will be an intern for Dr. Salvador Raza and Dr. Michael Gold-Biss.
Austin Price
Austin Price is a junior at George Mason University currently pursuing a major in Conflict Analysis and Resolution and a minor in Intelligence Analysis. At CHDS, he is working with Dr. Luis Kun researching critical infrastructure issues in the region.
Camila Sanchez- Almanzar
Camila Sanchez-Almanzar is an international exchange student from Our Lady of the Rosary University in Colombia. Camila is pursuing degree with a double major in Law and International Relations, focusing on Foreign Policy and Organizations. At CHDS, she works with Professor Patrick Paterson on Human Rights and Governance issues affecting Latin American countries.
Juan S. Sarmiento
Juan S. Sarmiento is currently a senior student of Finance and International Affairs at Universidad Externado de Colombia. In his last year he decided to study abroad in Washington, D.C., as a part of an exchange program at American University to study Global Economics and Business, and Foreign Policy. At CHDS, Juan is working with Professor Evan Ellis.
Destiny Smith
Destiny Smith will graduate in December from Olivet Nazarene University, where she is studying International Business and Spanish. She is taking part of the American Studies Program here in D.C., where she is working on a global development biofuels project for women in Senegal and Sub-Saharan Africa. Here at CHDS, Destiny is working with both Professor Guillermo Pacheco and Dr. Jaime Garcia on civil-military relations and the relationship between democracy and military in Latin America.
Maria Alejandra Torres
Maria Alejandra is a senior student of Finance and International Affairs at Universidad Externado de Colombia. She is currently participating in an exchange program in Washington D.C. at American University, which focuses on Global Economics and Business. At CHDS Maria is working with Dr. Jaime Garcia.
Daniel Yonker
Daniel Yonker is a 2011 graduate from the James Madison College of Public Affairs at Michigan State University. He received a B.A. in International Relations with a focus on International Security and Foreign Policy. At CHDS he is assisting Deputy Director Ken LaPlante. Upon completion of his internship, Dan will be entering Officer Candidate School for the United States Army.
» Summer 2012
David Abreu
David Abreu is a rising senior at Boston University majoring in Religion and International Relations with concentrations in the Middle East and Foreign Policy/Security Studies. At BU, David is the President of Boston Salsa University and is one of several students who teach and perform salsa, bachata and merengue to their peers. At CHDS, he is assisting with Boris Saavedra on the Caribbean Defense and Security Course as well as additional work with Michael Gold-Biss.
Liliana Besosa
Liliana Besosa is a rising sophomore pursuing a degree in International Relations from the College of William and Mary. She is taking part in a combined joint degree program with the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, where she will spend the next two years studying. Liliana is currently working with Dr. Luis Kun researching critical infrastructure and cyber security issues. She is also working with Professor Pat Paterson on Chilean civil-military relations and indigenous cultures.
Cody Brasher
Cody Brasher, from Birmingham, Alabama, is preparing to enter his senior year at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. At Baylor, he is working toward a BA in International Studies with a regional focus on Latin America and a Spanish minor. Throughout his undergraduate career, Cody has completed two summer study abroad programs at the National University of Cuyo in Mendoza, Argentina. He is now working with Professor Guillermo Pacheco, researching the effects of the transition back to democracy from the Chilean military dictatorship.
Patricia Donahoe
Patricia Donahoe is a senior at the University of New Hampshire. She will graduate in May 2013 with a dual major in Political Science and International Affairs. Patricia is currently supporting General Ospina and Dr. Arbelaez as they prepare their next course on terror and counter-insurgency. She is also researching interactions between insurgent groups in Latin America in both the physical and cyber domains.
Logan Glista
Logan Glista is a junior at Catholic University where he is majoring in Politics. At CHDS, he is assisting Deputy Director Ken LaPlante by updating the Center's course catalogue and creating a post-course survey. Logan is also updating statistics for Director Downey's Colombian brief.
Catherine Hood
Catherine Hood is an undergraduate studying International Affairs and Economics at the George Washington University. She able to work and travel in Chile and Argentina last summer and currently assists the Outreach and Alumni Relations teams at CHDS.
Mariana Iturriaga-Cossio
Mariana Iturriaga-Cossio is pursuing her Masters of International Affairs concentrating in International Security Policy at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs. In 2009, she graduated from ITAM in Mexico City with a B.A. in International Relations and then began working for the Mexican Government for almost two years. Currently, Mariana works with Dr. Downie researching U.S.-Mexican Defense Relations and Dr. Sepulveda with a project regarding U.S. foreign policy to Latin American in the security and defense fields.
Jeremy Jacobson
Jeremy Jacobson has recently graduated from McGill University with a B.A. in Political Science and English Literature. He is currently working for Professor Pat Paterson, assisting him with research on Latin American civil-military relations. He is also doing work for Dr. Hilton McDavid, who is a visiting professor for the Caribbean Security and Defense Course.
Ariana Lee Choi
Ariana Lee Choi is currently a senior at Pennsylvania State University majoring in International Relations with a minor in Psychology. At CHDS, she is working under Dr. Evan Ellis researching the relationship and influence of China in Latin America.
Saleah Loomis
Saleah Loomis is a rising senior at Stonehill College majoring in International Studies with a minor in Cinema Studies. This summer Saleah is participating in American University's Washington Semester Program. For her internship at CHDS, Saleah is assisting Professor Pedro de la Fuente with his research on natural disasters in El Salvador and the role government and non-government organizations have in disaster relief.
Sean Malvey
Sean Malvey is a second year graduate student at the Monterey Institute of International Studies. His concentration lies in international security and development within Latin America. Before entering graduate school Sean worked for two years as an immigration paralegal for a busy law firm in Burlington, Vermont. Here at CHDS he is writing a research article for Captain Hurtado on Central American drug-trafficking routes and conducting research for Professor Pat Paterson's fall course on Human Rights. In addition to his academic and professional experience, Sean is also completing a United Nations funded project on the International Small Arms and Controls Standards for the upcoming 2012 August Review Conference. After his graduation in December 2012, he will be looking to work on similar security and development initiatives in Latin America.
Abbott Matthews
Abbott Matthews is a rising senior at Colby College pursuing a double major in Government and Latin American Studies. She is working this summer with Dr. Luis Kun researching the relationships between climate change, natural disasters and global security. In addition to her work with Dr. Kun, Abbott is also assisting Deputy Director Ken LaPlante with various projects to help coordinate and streamline administrative information for the Center.
Patrick Nigro
Patrick Nigro is a rising senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst majoring in Political Science and History. He was raised in Boston, Ma and is a proud member of the Trombone Section of the University´s Minuteman Marching Band and an Eagle Scout. Patrick is currently working with Dr. Jaime Garcia on Chilean civil-military relations and with Professor Pat Paterson on regional narco-trafficking.
McKenzie Penton
McKenzie Penton is a junior at the George Washington University, where he is pursuing a degree in International Affairs with a concentration in Conflict Resolution. He has spent time studying International Affairs in the Andean region and Russia. McKenzie will be traveling to Rwanda in the fall of his junior year to study post-conflict restoration. At CHDS, he has worked with Professor Manuel Lora on topics pertaining to confidence building measures in the Americas and multidimensional security in the Andean region.
Mike Perez
Mike Perez was born in Lima, Peru and spent most of his childhood in Tokyo, Japan. He is currently a student at George Mason University where he is studying Government and International Politics. At CHDS, Mike works with Dr. R. Evan Ellis on Chinese influence in Latin America.
Anthony Santi
Anthony Santi is a double major in Political Science and Media Studies at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut. Having a Venezuelan background has given him an interest in Latin America, especially the region's security and economic issues. At CHDS, Anthony is assisting with Professor Boris Saavedra by researching how security forces shaped the political and security landscape of Colombia during the Uribe Administration.
Christine Shely
Christine Shely is a rising senior in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. She is pursuing a major in Science, Technology, and International Affairs with concentrations in International Security and Computer Science. While at CHDS, she is working on two distinct projects. Christine is researching cyber security issues in developing countries for Professor Kevin Newmeyer. Additionally, she will use her photo-journalism experience while working with Vivian Rodriguez to enhance the Center's multimedia image.
Britta Stime
Britta Stime is a senior at Gonzaga University double majoring in International Relations and Spanish. At CHDS, she assists Professor Celina Realuyo with research pertaining to combating transnational organized crime.
Andrew Vincent
Drew Vincent is a senior undergraduate at Baylor University pursuing a degree in International Studies with a minor in Spanish. Drew has studied abroad in Mendoza, Argentina and has had the opportunity to visit both Ecuador and Bolivia. At Baylor, he has been in the University's Model Organization of American States team and will be serving as the Washington Model's President in April. Drew is currently working under Dr. Luis Bitencourt as an intern researching a variety of issues relating to Brazilian policing and security.
Angela Weber
Angela Weber is a senior undergraduate at Baylor University majoring in International Studies. At CHDS, Angela is working with Dr. Scott Tollefson on issues concerning Brazilian nuclear defense.
» Spring 2012
Rachel Bishop
Rachel Bishop is a junior undergraduate student at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. As a Tar Heel, she is majoring in Political Science and Global Studies with a regional focus on Latin America. This spring she is participating in the UNC Honors Burch program, which affords her the opportunity to live and work here in Washington. For Rachel's internship with CHDS, she assists Dr. Scott Tollefson, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, with his ongoing research, teaching, and outreach projects.
Ashley Brazelton
Ashley is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Criminal Justice at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. As an undergraduate, she attended Radford University as a double major in Criminal Justice and Spanish. Ashley has been an intern with CHDS since June 2011 and works with Dr. Bitencourt on current issues regarding Brazil.
Morgan Canfield
After completing a B.A. in Political Science and Foreign Languages, Morgan Canfield decided to pursue a MS in Defense & Strategic Studies at Missouri State University. Morgan enjoys traveling abroad and has lived overseas in the Dominican Republic and Spain. As a research assistant at CHDS, he helps research and write on Private Security Companies and their implications on global security. Morgan has enjoyed the guidance from the staff and professors as well as the ample resources that CHDS/NDU has to offer.
Megan Daley
Megan Daley is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Global Communications with a concentration in Conflict and Conflict Resolution from the Elliott School of International Affairs at Georg