The University of Maryland School of Public Policy has launched an innovative Department of Defense Academic Capstone Mentorship Initiative, bridging the gap between academic research and practical defense policy. Faculty members leading the ISEP/IDEV and ENV sections of the MPP capstone course, David Backer and Anand Patwardhan, collaborated with SPP Senior Mentor Clyde Moore and DoD Public Affairs Specialist Jonathan Evenson to provide students with real-world experience in defense policy analysis while offering fresh perspectives to the department.
Eight students engaged in projects addressing critical DoD mission areas, reflecting the complex, multifaceted challenges facing modern defense and security institutions. The projects and their respective student leads were:
- "Food as a Weapon of Peace" by Kailey Love
- "Enhancing Allied Capacity for European Deterrence" by James Rubidge
- "Combatting PRC Narratives: U.S. Military in Latin America" by Josie Urrea
- "Supply Chain Risk Management: Policies and Best Practices" by Amanda Nagle
- "Securing Controlled Unclassified Information by Design" by Sharon Yorms-Brobbey
- "Geopolitical Implications of Climate Change in the Arctic" by Emilie Lahneman
- "Analyzing U.S. Policy and Funding for Climate Migration" by Emily Masker
- "Climate Driven Migration in the Dry Corridor" by Alexx Lux
On these projects, the students were paired with subject matter experts (SMEs) from several different units, including the Office of the Immediate Secretary of the Army; the Office of the Principal Cyber Advisor in the Office of the Secretary of the Army; the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology; the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, and the Office of Arctic and Global Resilience. Students were closely with the SMEs to define the scope and methodology of the projects, progress through steps, and incorporate feedback. On April 26, 2024, all the students participated in a briefing event, held at the Pentagon, at which they presented their final research results to DoD officials. CISSM Director Nancy Gallagher and CISSM Associate Research Professor Lena Andrews attended and served as discussants. The Honorable Mario Diaz, deputy under secretary of the Army, delivered thoughtful and inspiring closing remarks after the students briefed their projects, underscoring the value of the initiative and partnering with the academic community.
For the students involved, the experience was both challenging and rewarding. Amanda Nagle reflected on the significance of the products that students were expected to deliver by the end of their projects: "Briefing my project pitch at the Pentagon initially was exciting, if a bit intimidating, but it was an invaluable part of the experience. As a mid-career student, none of my experience quite compared to sitting in the OSD Briefing Room and speaking to the officials that can make my research idea a reality." She added, "My clients were knowledgeable, helpful, and always made time for me whether it be to provide information and guidance or to serve as mentors."
Emilie Lahneman was encouraged by how the DoD conscientiously brings together multiple perspectives to examine complex problems. "With the effects of climate change becoming a national security priority, I found the interdisciplinary approach of the Office of Arctic and Global Resilience intriguing and impactful in my research," she noted. Lahneman also appreciated the collaborative atmosphere: "Our group had joint meetings with the office once a month, and it built a culture of collaboration and support, even while working on our own individual projects."
The inaugural year of this emerging partnership with the DoD represents a significant step in enhancing the practical relevance of academic programs in public policy and fostering stronger ties between educational institutions and government agencies. Moving forward, the initiative offers a model for future collaborations that can benefit both students and policymakers in addressing contemporary and future global challenges.
The initiative also highlights the School of Public Policy's commitment to preparing its students for leadership roles in government and policy-making. Among those who helped to facilitate this opportunity were two SPP alumni: Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks (MPM '93) and Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth (MPP '95). Their ascendance to senior positions at the DoD demonstrates the real-world impact of an SPP education.
