Program Directors
Program Directors
Founder; Director
Yale University '25
Founder; Director
William & Mary '25
Director; Research Lead
William & Mary '26
Programming Lead
Yale University '26
Programming Lead
Yale University '26
GeoTech Forum '25
Kaden Carr is a Sophomore at UT Austin studying International Relations and Global Studies. He travels to compete with the Texas Mock Trial team, writes intelligence reports for Project Tearline, and studies Mandarin Chinese!
U Rocherster '26
Kanishk Shanmugam is a Junior at the University of Rochester studying Political Science, with minors in Philosophy, Psychology, and Economics. He is passionate about discovering how data-driven policy and law can solve inequity and empower local communities all over the world. In his free time, he is a pro Minecrafter and a less-than-pro guitar player.
USC '26
Khris Gonzalez Pebe is a junior at the University of Southern California pursuing a dual progressive Master’s in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence and a Bachelor’s in Public Policy with a concentration in Data Analytics. She has extensive experience in intelligence analysis, geospatial research, and humanitarian advocacy, including internships with the U.S. Department of Defense and Accountability Counsel. Outside her professional pursuits, Khris enjoys exploring trying new cuisines, traveling, and engaging in language learning, with fluency in Spanish, French, and beginner Arabic.
William & Mary '25
Katherine Perriello is a senior at William and Mary studying International Relations. She is involved in the International Political Affairs in the Caucasus lab and has previously interned for the Air Force Civilian Service Information Protection department and conducting research for the Army War College. She is also part of the club sailing team and enjoys running and hiking.
University of Michigan '26
Una Blumberg is a Junior at the University of Michigan studying Political Science and Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences (QMSS). Una is passionate about both policy and politics, and has worked as a field organizer in Michigan, as well as a policy research intern overseas in Bogotá, Colombia. In her free time she listens to an excessive amount of podcasts, reads, travels, and is currently trying to knit a very long scarf.
Yale University '26
Imran Aziz is a Junior at Yale studying Computer Science and Economics. He is involved in the tech center of the Yale Policy Institute and in the Yale Sustainable Consulting Collective, and is interested in all things tech: from AI to semiconductors. When he's not working, he can be found re-watching Nolan movies or reading old Batman comics.
William & Mary '28
Max Wang is a freshman at William & Mary studying Finance and International Relations. His past experiences include interning at NanoGraf, a Forbes 1000 battery startup, and participating in the Stanford SPICE Global China Scholars Program, where he developed a passion for cultural exchange and international business. His involvement on campus include roles with TEDx, Tribe Innovation, Club Tennis, etc. A lover of the outdoors, Max enjoys spending time at the lake, wakeboarding, playing spikeball, and firing up the grill for some BBQ.
William & Mary '27
Chloe Cohen is a sophomore at William & Mary studying Public Policy and Philosophy. She has researched artificial intelligence’s impact on international nuclear security as a Troy A. Cullen Emerging Technology Fellow with NukeLab, an undergraduate research lab at W&M, and hopes to work in the AI ethics field. She enjoys working as a peer consultant at W&M’s Writing and Communication Center, sharing W&M with prospective applicants as a campus tour guide, and playing ultimate frisbee with the W&M Woolly Mammoths.
William & Mary '25
Keegan Connelley is a senior at the College of William and Mary, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Government and Psychology. During his time at William and Mary, he has served as both the captain and social chair of the college’s club volleyball team and is also an active member of the History Club. Outside of academics, Keegan spends his free time expanding his vinyl record collection and exploring his passion for photography.
Georgetown '25
Ella Braunfeld is a Senior at Georgetown University's Walsh School of Foreign Service studying technology and international affairs with a concentration in national security. She is currently interning on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and has previously interned as a defense and security intern at Boeing, a cyber research intern at Serco, and a foreign policy intern at AEI. Additionally, Ella is a member of the Alexander Hamilton Society and Kappa Kappa Gamma at Georgetown University and recently completed her first marathon!
William & Mary '27
Hunter White is a Sophomore at the College of William & Mary studying Government and Religious Studies. He has extensive experience in government through his role as canvassing director for a Williamsburg City Council race, as an aide to the Governor of Arizona, and as a member of his town’s School Board. He is very interested in national security/defense policy, has three dogs (including one with three legs), enjoys hiking, basketball, and has a small photography business.
William & Mary '27
Chelsea Wright is a Sophomore at William & Mary studying International Relations and Data Science. Her previous experience includes being the Youth Global Literacy Chair for a non-profit charitable organization focused on support for underprivileged communities in Cameroon and working as a summer research intern at the Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre. In her free time, she likes to stay active, bake, and play The NY Times crossword puzzle.
William & Mary '28
Anushka Pujara is a first-year student at William & Mary, majoring in International Relations and minoring in History, with a passion for foreign policy and international security shaped by her experiences as a Model UN delegate and chairperson. She co-founded a blog named The Past Currency, where she channels her love for history, and has worked with two non-profits teaching STEM to underprivileged children. In her free time, you could find her swimming, taking long walks, painting, playing the piano, or geeking out over Malcolm Gladwell's books. With ambitions of working in DC among top international security strategists, Anushka is excited to bring her curiosity and drive to the GeoTech Forum.
Shankara Abbineni
Yale University '25
Shankara Abbineni is a senior at Yale University, double-majoring in Economics and Statistics & Data Science. He has experience working in the tech and finance sectors, with a background as an AI/ML engineer and, most recently, as an investment analyst. Shankara is passionate about driving technological innovation and aspires to work at the intersection of technology, business, and policy.
Yale University '25
Piper Barnard is a first semester Senior at Yale University studying Mechanical Engineering with a special interest in aerospace applications and technological diplomacy. She is a NASA Pathways intern within the Systems Engineering branch, and is passionate about a career in public service. While not at school or work, she is an avid tinkerer, gym goer, budding chef, triple digit Duolingo streak holder, and podcast enthusiast.
William & Mary '27
Nicholas Valyayev is a Sophomore at William & Mary studying Government and History. He's worked at James Monroe's Highland as an event-planning intern and the Mental Health Association in New York State as a policy intern, and he is hoping to branch out into international security and political economy. Outside of classes, he is the VP of Academic Excellence for the IFC, an avid biker, and a voracious reader.
Columbia University '25
Philip is a Senior at Columbia University studying Political Science and Cognitive Science, minoring in Computer Science. In his free time, he likes running along the Hudson river and hiking. He is passionate about the intersection between policy, diplomacy, and emerging technologies.
Boston University '26
Katie Rouse is a junior at Boston University studying International Relations and Russian. She has solidified her professional interests in national security, defense, and military strategy after participating in internships with the U.S. Department of State, the National War College, and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Born and raised in Boston, MA, she loves hiking, running, reading, and watching hockey with friends (go Bruins!).
Georgia Tech '25
Pranav Nathan is a Senior at Georgia Tech studying Mechanical Engineering and Physics. He has interest and experience in space/energy technologies and tech policy. In his free time, he loves hiking, traveling, and running!
Yale University '25 GRD '25
Tyler Schroder is a Senior BS/MS Computer Science student at Yale University. Experienced cybersecurity researcher and public speaker.
Yale University '25
Yale University '25
Gauri is a senior studying Computer Science and Economics with an interest in the intersection between tech and finance. This past summer, she was a sophomore summer analyst at Bank of America in their leveraged finance group, and will return next summer. She has previously interned at Cerity Partners, a $50B+ investment advisory firm. She also currently serves as the head research assistant at the Yale School of Management for Dr. Matthew Spiegel, overseeing a team of 20+ assistants. Gauri is the president of Code Haven (leading over 75 student mentors serving over 300 students per semester), vice president of Yale Undergraduate Diversified Investments, treasurer of Women and Gender Minorities in Computer Science, and the undergraduate representative of the Yale CS Climate and Diversity Committee, serving alongside various esteemed professors. She also serves as president of Yale’s premier South Asian fusion dance team Rangeela and enjoys performing with her a cappella group Yale Avaaz, playing guitar, and reading in her free time.
Yale University '27
Keith G. Pemberton II is a second-year student at Yale University, studying History with a certificate Arabic. He is deeply curious about the connections between national security, finance, emerging technologies, and geopolitics, and how these forces shape the world. His academic path reflects his excitement for comparative law, and international relations, as well as his aspiration to pursue a career in academia, law, foreign policy or finance. At Yale he is involved with Branford College Council, Yale Foreign Policy Initiative, and Black Mens' Union. Outside of the classroom he enjoys traveling, playing the saxophone, and reading historical autobiographies.