The Center for International and Security Studies at Maryland (CISSM) provides various funding opportunities to support the research, professional development, and collaborative work of School of Public Policy students, faculty, and researchers. These awards and fellowships reflect CISSM’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and intellectually vibrant community that addresses complex global challenges through evidence-based and cooperative approaches. Learn more about our featured student and faculty support programs below.
Kelleher Fellowship
The Catherine M. Kelleher Fellowship for International Security Studies supports outstanding graduate students at the School of Public Policy advancing cooperative approaches to addressing security challenges, broadly defined.
Kelleher was the founding director of the Center for International and Security Studies at Maryland (CISSM) and founder of Women in International Security (WIIS). The fellowship honors her legacy of mentorship, collaboration, and leadership in reducing global risks and fostering inclusive scholarship.
Learn more about Dr. Kelleher’s life and legacy.
AY2025-26 Kelleher Fellow
Previous Kelleher Fellows
Sarah Erickson is a PhD student at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy. Her research interests include the outer space-nuclear security nexus, impacts of emerging space technology on international security as well as the development of global space policies and strategies.
Learn more about Sarah's background and research interests
Sanjana Gogna is a PhD student at the School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland. Her research focuses on nuclear weapons strategy and deterrence theory. Prior to starting her doctoral studies, Gogna was a research associate at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where she authored a paper on nuclear multipolarity with a specific emphasis on South Asia.
Learn more about Sanjana's background and research interests
Samuel M. Hickey is a PhD student at the University of Maryland's School of Public Policy. He is also the Paul A. Castleman Policy Fellow at the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation (CACNP). Hickey's research is focused on the intersection of science and policy in the field of international security.
Learn more about Sam's background and research interests
Alexandra Borgeaud dit Avocat is a PhD student at the School of Public Policy, University of Maryland, College Park, specializing in international security. Her research interests include arms control, multi-stakeholder approaches to governance, and military applications of new technologies.
Alexandra is currently taking a break from her graduate studies to prepare for the Swiss Foreign Service exam.
Kelleher Fellow, Lauren Samuelsen, is a PhD student at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy and a graduate research assistant at the Center for International and Security Studies at Maryland (CISSM). Samuelsen's research examines nuclear material security policy in civilian settings.
Learn more about Lauren's background and research interests
Inaugural Kelleher Fellow, Lindsay Rand, is a PhD student at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy and a graduate research assistant at the Center for International and Security Studies at Maryland (CISSM). Rand’s research is focused on the intersection of science and policy in the field of international security.
Learn more about Lindsay's background and research interests