ASU student gains research and publishing experience through Center on the Future of War

Arizona State University's Center on the Future of War’s Center Student Research Fellows program provides juniors and seniors the opportunity to conduct research, publish their work and interact with scholars and experts working in the field of international security. Through the center’s partnership with New America, a think tank in Washington, D.C., ASU students are able to work with leading researchers.

Every spring, the center issues a call for applicants for the upcoming academic year. Students are paired with center faculty and ASU Future of War Fellows and others at New America, including journalists, academics, former government officials and former and current military leaders to work on various research projects — including books, magazine articles, databases and more. Students have worked with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, best-selling authors, retired three-star generals, former National Security Council officials and others.

The Center Student Research Fellows also attend a weekly seminar where they discuss their work alongside influential readings in human rights, philosophy, political science and social theory. ASU School of Politics and Global Studies faculty Daniel Rothenberg and Jeff Kubiak co-teach the seminar and manage the program. Fellows are also invited to attend an annual conference in Washington, D.C., each spring, which brings together top scholars and experts to discuss developments in international security.

Hannah Hallikainen, a returning Center Student Research Fellow and major in chemical engineering, recently published an article titled "Birth of a Birthright" in Politico with ASU Future of War Fellow at New America Jonathan Katz.

“Last year, I got to be a test reader for the book 'LikeWar,' which was recently published. This year, I’m doing historical research on the Boxer Rebellion and U.S. immigration policy toward Chinese immigrants, and that research has already gone toward a published article, and will eventually support a book that is being written,” Hallikainen said.

These research experiences have inspired Hallikainen’s career goals and graduate school plans related to technology and policy.

“We’re always really pleased when our students get to help these top thinkers, scholars and writers with a concrete outcome like this, which is a really nice opportunity for undergraduates,” Rothenberg said.

After graduating, fellows have gone on to work at New America, the International Criminal Court for the Former Yugoslavia, NGOs in the Democratic Republic of Congo and elsewhere. Some have received major awards, such as the Killam Fellowship and the Marshall Scholarship. Others attend MA programs in international relations, law school and PhD programs in a variety of fields.  

Connect with the Center on the Future of War on Twitter at @Future_of_War and browse the center's website to learn more about upcoming events such as the 2019 Spring Speaker Series.