Washington, D.C. – In partnership with the Ronald Reagan Institute (RRI), the Alexander Hamilton Society (AHS) is excited to announce the selection of the 2024 cohort of National Defense Fellows. The National Defense Fellowship is an intensive program that aims to educate and launch young students and professionals into foreign policy and national security careers with an understanding and appreciation for strong and principled American leadership in global affairs. The 2024 cohort was chosen from a highly competitive applicant pool. These impressive young men and women stood out for their exceptional commitment to public service, passion for national security, and their accomplishments on and off campus. These emerging leaders will receive unique opportunities to develop their skills, engage with experts, and contribute meaningfully to the field of national security and defense.
Fellows will take part in the Peace Through Strength Boot Camp in Washington, D.C. Through the intensive four-day boot camp, the students will have a unique opportunity to learn from the nation's foremost defense policy thought-leaders and practitioners and will emerge with a strong fundamental understanding of defense affairs, covering specific topics such as defense policymaking, industrial base, and acquisitions policy, and nuclear deterrence and warfare. Later in the year, the fellows will attend the Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, CA, the nation's premier defense forum, discussing global challenges, threats, and opportunities.
“The 2024 National Defense Fellows cohort comprises top students from some of our nation's most prestigious universities, and we are excited to welcome them to Washington, D.C., for the Peace Through Strength Boot Camp later this month. The National Defense Fellowship educates future national security and defense leaders by giving them unparalleled access to top professionals in the field. We are proud to partner with the Ronald Reagan Institute in this important work.” - Dr. Murray Bessette, AHS Academic Programs Director
You can learn more about the fellowship here and find a list of our 2024 fellows and their bios here.
2024 National Defense Fellows
McKenzie Arata, Texas A&M University
Cooper Blee, Xavier University
Conner Bolanos, Johns Hopkins University
Thaddian Burson, Cedarville University
Abigail Carr, Harvard University
Ethan Chiu, Yale University
Caitlin Davis, University of Texas, Austin
Emma Fullerton, University of Florida
Benjamin Kelley, Columbia University
Bridget Lucas, The Catholic University of America
Uchechi Mba, University of Maryland, College Park
Robert Moore III, Georgetown University
Nolan Musslewhite, Princeton University
Pranav Pattatathunaduvil, Yale University
Logan Pineda, Rutgers University
Joshua Platte, Hofstra University
Katie Rouse, Boston University
James Sweet, American University
Matthew Tweden, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Zachary Welch, Wheaton College