As part of Syracuse University Institute for Security Policy and Law’s larger Program on Security in the Middle East, graduate and law students have an opportunity to study abroad and experience first-hand the dynamic and enduring security challenges facing the region, through Carol Becker and Gerald B. Cramer Graduate Study Abroad Fellowships.
The Graduate Study Abroad program consists of two main components:
- A three-week executive Counterterrorism Studies program at the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT) in Herzliya, Israel.
- “The Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process in Regional and Domestic Context,” a short summer program offer by Mitvim, the Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies.
ISPL faculty also work with students to support their individual academic and research interests to ensure they effectively utilize their opportunity in the program. Additional activities offered include supplemental workshops that provide a background to the Middle East Peace Process, recommended readings, supervision of independent study, academic advising, and networking events.
This program is made possible through the generous support of SU alumna Carol Becker (’76) and SU trustee and alumnus Gerald B. Cramer (’52).
During my study abroad I gained a new perspective on the conflict from the people living in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. I saw first-hand the tension between security and human rights. Yet interacting with young Israelis showed me that in the end people are just people, and they want to find a way to live their lives in harmony.
Carolyn Abdenour (LAW ’13)
Who Can Apply
ISPL study abroad fellowships are open to graduate students pursuing a range of graduate degrees, including international relations, public administration, law, political science, and history.
Counterterrorism Studies Program at ICT
In the fall of 2005, ISPL developed a partnership with the Lauder School of Government and ICT to promote collaborative activities in counterterrorism and conflict resolution through joint faculty research projects and the development of educational programs, including faculty and student exchange programs.
ISPL study abroad fellows participate in ICT’s Counterterrorism Studies Program, a three-week executive education certificate course composed of academic study, simulations, workshops, and on-site briefings.
The instructors in the program have extensive experience as practitioners in their fields as well as in research and academia. This multidisciplinary approach brings together the best of academia with those that have practical experience, offering students ample opportunities for engaging discussions both in and out of the classroom.
Courses planned for Summer 2016 include:
- “Modern Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism Strategies” with Professor Boaz Ganor
- “Financing Terrorism: the Threat and the Response” with Dr. Eitan Azani
- “Counter-Terrorism Issues and Challenges for Homeland Security” with Professor Bruce Hoffman
- “Legal Aspects of Confronting Radicalization Processes and Terrorism” with Lt. Gen. Orit Adato (Ret.) and Professor William C. Banks
Learn more about Counterterrorism Studies at ICT.
Summer Program at Mitvim
In 2014, ISPL began a partnership with Mitvim, the Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies in Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv, Israel. Students take a four-day course on “The Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process in a Domestic and Regional Context,” which in 2015 included the following lectures:
- “The Peace Process: Historic Background and Current Affairs” with Dr. Nimrod Goren, Mitvim Institute and Hebrew University
- “The Arab Peace Initiative and Missed Opportunities for Peace” with Professor Elie Podeh, Mitvim Institute and Hebrew University
- “Israel-US Relations and the Peace Process” with Yael Patir, Director of Israel Programs, J Street
- “Behind the Scenes of the Last Round of Peace Negotiations” with Amir Tibon, Diplomatic Correspondent, Walla News
- “Israeli Public Opinion Regarding the Peace Process” with Dr. Dahlia Scheindlin, Public opinion pollster and +972 Magazine
- “The Palestinians of Israel: A Missing Voice in the Peace Process” with Mansour Nsasra, Exeter University, UK
The program also includes tours of Jerusalem and meetings with other scholars, practitioners, and journalists.
I feel that after my week at Mitvim I have learnt so much, from the most basic issues to some very complex ones.
Independent Research
Students may opt to conduct independent research on a topic related to security or counterterrorism under the supervision of a SU faculty member or an ICT faculty member or researcher and/or serve as an intern for an ICT project.
ISPL faculty will also provide guidance and support where needed. Academic credit (either independent research credit or experience/internship credit) may be earned for the above work depending on the requirements of the student’s degree program.
Recent Becker/Cramer Fellows
Recent Becker/Cramer Fellows
2019 Becker Fellows
Lauren Pentrack is an MPA student at the Maxwell School, with a B.S. in International Affairs and Political Science from Florida State University. There she was a member of the Virtual Operations Support Team, gathering intelligence for decision makers in emergency management, and she also mentored international university students.
Lauren Sutkus is a joint MPA/MAIR student. She took a B.S. in Agricultural Business from Colorado State University and served as Constituent Affairs Intern for California Gov. Edmund G. Brown. She volunteers for the ARISE ski program to support skiers with disabilities.
2019 Cramer Fellows
Grace Mandry is a first-year law student. While taking a B.A. in Political Science and International Studies from Kalamazoo College, she served as Program Leader for Rustic Pathways in Cuba and the Dominican Republic. She also served as program coordinator at the Immigration Center for Women and Children in San Francisco, CA.
Samuel Wardwell is a joint MAIR/MPA student at the Maxwell School and the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin, Germany. He studied at the International University of Moscow in 2017, where he received a Fulbright-Hayes Scholarship for Russian studies. His B.A. in International Affairs and Russian is from the University of New Hampshire. Sam is a former legislative intern to New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan.
Lucia Valentina Chuquillanqui Gonzales is an MAIR student in International Relations and coordinator for Direction of Finance for Sustainability for the World Wildlife Fund in Lima, Peru. She served as Research Coordinator for Etiqueta Verde Magazine in Peru. Lucia is a 2018 Georgetown University Global Competitiveness Leadership Program Fellow and a 2017 International Exchange Alumni Professional Fellow at the US Department of State.
Catherine Johnson is a first-year law student who holds a B.A. in Journalism, International Convergence and B.A. in International Studies from the University of Missouri. She served as Associate Audience Development Manager at OATH in New York City to manage and launch business development initiatives, and she also served as intern at Thomson Reuters in Brussels, Belgium.
Matthew Mittelsteadt is an MPA and M.Sc. in Cybersecurity student. He holds a B.A. in Economics and Russian Studies from St. Olaf College. In London, Matthew served as a parliamentary intern for MP Ben Gummer. He also has served as project manager for Epic Systems Corporation, and he led installations and upgrades of software for three healthcare systems.
2018 Cramer Fellows
Matthew Hin is a graduate student in the Syracuse University Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute.
Alec Laible is a graduate student in the Syracuse University Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute (FNNSI) and an assistant at Crouse Health in Syracuse, NY. A graduate of the University of Scranton, Laible has volunteered for the South African Lacrosse project and the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center in Scranton.
A first-year J.D. student at the College of Law, Aaron Maher is also a Battalion Medical Officer for the New York Army National Guard. Maher is a biology graduate of SUNY-Oswego, where he served in the Army ROTC.
Loren Reichsfeld is a first-year student at the College of Law and a graduate of Northern Arizona University (NAU), who holds a B.S. in biology. She has worked as a research assistant at NAU Inorganic Research Lab.
Chris Richman is a first-year law student at the College of Law.
2018 Becker Fellows
Lorraine Bower is an M.A.I.R. candidate in the Maxwell School, who graduated from the University of San Francisco with a B.A. in international studies and economics. After graduation, Bower enlisted in the US Army Reserves as an Ammunition Specialist. After grad school, she will commission as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army and is hoping to go into military intelligence.
Taylor Hart-McGonigle is an M.P.A./M.A.I.R. student in the Maxwell School and a Research Assistant for the Moynihan Global Affairs Institute. A native of New Jersey, Hart-McGonigle is a graduate of The College of New Jersey.
Karina Johnson is a first-year J.D. candidate at the College of Law and a former Legal Assistant for El Rescate Legal Assistance, working primarily on asylum cases for immigration court. A graduate of the University of California-Berkeley, Johnson worked in the Oxnard (CA) School District for more than three years.
Paige Kisner is an M.A.I.R. candidate at the Maxwell School and a Research Assistant for the Global Black Spots: Mapping Global Insecurity research program at the Moynihan Global Affairs Institute. She holds a B.A. Political Science and English from Mansfield University, Pennsylvania.
2017 Becker Fellows
Kristina Cervi
A Syracuse Law student, Kristina attended California State University-Channel Islands, where she took a double major in Political Science and Communication, with a minor in Global Studies. Her prior experience includes work for Americans for Prosperity-California, where she was Communications Director, and for Forever Found, a non-profit that supports child trafficking victims. In 2014, Kristina also worked for Secretary Leon Panetta, as part of the CSU’s Panetta Congressional Internship Program.
Kari Gibson
SU College of Law student Kari Gibson attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she studied political science and took part in an Integration and Immigration Program in Jordan. At UIUC, she was President of the League of Women Voters Student Unit, on the Community and Governmental Affairs Committee of the Illinois Student Senate, and a Delegate for the Illinois Model United Nations. At SU Law, she is a member of the National Women in Law Association and the Syrian Accountability Project.
Aliya Williams
Aliya is a Master of Arts in International relations with a degree in Classical Studies (and a minor in Peace and Conflict Studies) from Colgate University, where her senior thesis was “Culture Rising from Ruins: Analyzing Rhetoric Surrounding the Cultural Terrorism of ISIS.” She has previous experience working for the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START).
2017 Cramer Fellows
Matthew Bulriss
After graduating from Wittenberg University (Springfield, OH) with a Economics degree, Matthew enlisted in the US Army, serving with the 82nd Airborne Division and 1st Infantry Division. He had two combat deployments to Afghanistan as a Staff Sergeant with the infantry, leading squads on more than 80 combat patrols in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Currently, Matthew is enrolled in Syracuse Law.
Kathryn Clarkin
Katie is a Masters of Public Administration student with a degree in International Relations and French from Kent State University. Prior to entering the Maxwell School, Katie worked on national security issues at the US Department of Energy. She is interested in becoming a policy advisor in national security matters for the US government.
Jena Daggett
Jena Daggett is a Public Diplomacy student in the Maxwell School, where she edits Exchange: The Journal of Public Diplomacy. A native of Texas, she graduated Trinity University (San Antonio, TX) with a BA (Magna Cum Laude) in Political Science and Human Communication. After graduation, she worked for Teach for America as an English as a Second Language teacher in Falfurrias, TX.
Frank Garrison
Frankie is a joint MPA/MAIR student in the Maxwell School and a graduate of the University of Redlands in California. He is interested in joining the foreign service after graduating with his master’s, and he has prior experience working for the Telecommunications Industry Association in Arlington, VA, and for Rep. Shelley Berkley of Las Vegas, NV.
Paige Ingram
Paige is enrolled at Syracuse Law, having earned a Political Science degree from Gettysburg College (with a year abroad at Durham University in England). Among her past experiences are stints at the Hudson Institute in Washington, DC, where she worked for the Center of Political-Military Analysis; Intelligence Fusion in Newcastle, UK, where she worked at the Iraq desk; and Action Foundation, also in Newcastle, where she taught English to Syrian refugees.
2016 Becker Fellows
Martha Courtney Biede
Martha is a Masters of Arts in International Affairs student at SU Maxwell School, where she is working toward a CAS in Conflict Resolution. She holds a BA (Hons) in Diplomacy and French from Wittenberg University, Ohio, where she founded the Student Peace Alliance in 2012. She has volunteered at the Highland Park Hospital in Chicago, IL, and at the Springfield, OH, YMCA.
Alexandra Daniels
Alexandra is a First Year law student at SU Law who holds a BA in Anthropology from Arizona State University. Her previous experience includes two years as a Contract Manager for El Al Airlines in Los Angeles, CA, and a Media Relations Associate for the Phoenix (now Arizona) Coyotes NHL Ice Hockey Club in Glendale, AZ.
John “Jack” Gall
Jack is a Master of Arts in International Relations student at the SU Maxwell School and a graduate assistant at the Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs. His academic interests are in nonproliferation, arms trafficking, and conflict resolution. His BA in Political Science and Economics is from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he took an ACDIS Certificate in Global Security. In 2014-2015, Jack was an English teacher in South Korea.
2016 Cramer Fellows
Cal Whiting
Cal is studying for an MPA in International and National Security Policy at SU Maxwell School. He is an SU alumnus, with summa cum laude BA degrees in Political Science and History. He is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Golden Key International Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society, and Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society. Cal also is a Graduate Assistant for the SU National Security Studies program, and formerly was an Intern for Sen. Kirsten E. Gillibrand (D-NY).
Ariel Gould
Ariel is a Masters of Arts in International Affairs candidate at SU Maxwell School who holds a BA in Multi-Languages and Government from St. Lawrence University. Her experience includes work as a Paralegal for Centolella, Lynn, D’Elia, & Temes, LLC, and a year as President of the Panhellenic Council, National Panhellenic Conference, Inc.
Marina Resciniti
Marina is a First Year Law Student at SU Law and an alumna of the University of Scranton, PA, with a BS in Political Science and Minor in History. Her previous experience includes internships at the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas and in the Office of US Rep. John Mica (FL-7). She has volunteered for RISE, a Binghamton, NY, domestic violence shelter, and at the Middle Eastern Cultural Foundation.
Ruitong “Flora” Zhou
Flora is an MPA candidate at SU Maxwell School pursuing certificates in Postconflict Reconstruction and Security Studies through ISPL. She graduated from SU with BAs in Public Relations, International Relations, and Political Science. Her extensive experience includes work as a Consultant at SU’s Slutzker Center for International Service; a Research Assistant at the US-DPRK Scientific Engagement Consortium; a Public Affairs Intern for NY Assemblyman William B. Magnarelli; and an Intern for the Fulbright Commission in Madrid, Spain.
Cassandra Schneider
An SU Maxwell School Master of International Relations candidate in Development and Humanitarian Assistance, Cassandra graduated from the University of Georgia in 2011 with a BA in International Affairs. In the years between her degrees, she has worked as a Program Development Intern at the Near East Foundation; an English Program Coordinator at the Alliance for International Women’s Rights; a Head Teacher at the KJC21 English Academy in Busan, Korea; and an Intern at Help the Afghan Children. She is the author of “Secular Education: A Peace Building Strategy in Afghanistan” published in the Sigma Iota Rho Journal of International Relations (April 2012).
2015 Cramer Fellows
Kaitlyn Degnan
Kaitlyn graduated cum laude from Catholic University of America with a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and a minor in Philosophy and Psychology. Kaitlyn is currently pursuing a degree from Syracuse University College of Law and is expected to graduate in 2017. She is the conference coordinator for the Student Association for Terrorism and Security Analysis, as well as a member of the Syrian Accountability Project and a Law Ambassador. Kaitlyn spent some time studying abroad in the United Kingdom where she researched a paper on counterterrorism policy in the UK.
Andrew Dieselman
Andrew graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Syracuse University. Andrew is currently pursuing a degree from Syracuse University College of Law and is expected to graduate in 2017. Andrew is part of Syracuse University’s Syrian Accountability Project and is a Graduate Assistant with the National Security Studies Program at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Andrew was recently commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army.
Robert (“Clark”) Fonda
Clark graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He also graduated from the US Naval War College with a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies, Irregular Warfare. Clark is currently pursuing a degree from Syracuse University College of Law and is expected to graduate in 2017. Clark has five years of professional experience working within the field of security. He has worked for US Senator Jon Kyl as a legislative aide, US House of Representative Sue Myrick as a National Security Policy Adviser, and the Science Applications International Corporation as a Defense Contractor and US Army Legislative Policy Analyst.
Darienn Powers
Darienn graduated cum laude from the State University of New York at New Paltz with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He is currently pursuing a degree from Syracuse University College of Law and expected to graduate in May 2017. Darienn is the Associate Editor for the Journal on Terrorism and Security Analysis and a member of Syracuse University’s Student Association on Terrorism and Security Analysis.
Ellen Scherwinski
Ellen graduated from Maastricht University in the Netherlands with a Bachelor of Arts degree in European Studies with a focus on International Relations and Economics. During her undergraduate studies Ellen spent a semester at the University of York in the United Kingdom. Her work focused on International Security and Post-Conflict Reconstruction. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree in International Relations and Public Policy from Syracuse University Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and the Hertie School of Governance. She is expected to graduate in 2016. Ellen is also pursuing a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Security Studies at the Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism at Syracuse University. She is currently a Research Assistant for the Global Black Spots Research Program at the Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs at Syracuse University.
Viola Meyerweissflog
Viola graduated from University of York in the United Kingdom with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics with International Relations. She also took courses from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Viola is currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree in International Relations from Syracuse University Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and the Hertie School of Governance. She is expected to graduate in 2016. Viola is also pursuing a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Security Studies at the Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism at Syracuse University. She is currently a Research Assistant for the Global Black Spots Research Program at the Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs at Syracuse University.
2015 Becker Fellows
Rachel Coolican
Rachel graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo with a Bachelor of Arts with highest distinction in Psychology and a summa cum laude Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Rachel is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in International Relations degree from Syracuse University Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. She is expected to graduate in 2016. Rachel is also pursuing a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Post Conflict Reconstruction from the Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism at Syracuse University. Rachel spent a winter abroad in Ireland in 2014.
Andrew Lyman
Andrew graduated from DePaul University Driehaus College of Business with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. Andrew is currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree in International Relations, Peace, Security and Conflict from Syracuse University Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs where he is expected to graduate in the spring 2016. Andrew is an active member in the Student Association on Terrorism and Security Analysis. He has a beginner proficiency in the Russian language. This summer will be Andrew’s first trip outside the United States.
Rose Morrissy
Rose graduate from The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies and a minor in French. While working on her undergraduate degree, Rose studied abroad at L’Institut Catholique de Paris. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in International Relations from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Ellen holds an advanced knowledge of the French language.
2015 Maxwell Fellow
Taylor Brown
Taylor graduated from Middlebury College with a Bachelor of Arts in International Politics and Economics with a regional focus on Latin America. Taylor is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Public Policy and International Relations degree from Syracuse University Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. She is expected to graduate in 2016. Taylor is also pursuing a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Post Conflict Reconstruction from the Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism at Syracuse University. She is currently a Research Assistant for the Global Black Spots Research Program at the Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs at Syracuse University. Taylor is also involved in the Syrian Accountability Project here at Syracuse University. She speaks Spanish and English and has studied in French and Haitian Creole. She is currently studying German.
Law Students
- Cody Carbone
- Aleksander Ferguson
- Dana Nevins
- Anne Rakoczy-Kostrycky-Zwil
- Shannon Kane
- Ashley Repp
MPA/MAIR/Atlantis Students
- Laurence Ford
- Charles Mansour
- Sean Nichols
- Cameron Reed
- Matt Briand
Foreign Travel Information
- US Department of State Consular Information Sheet on Israel
- US Department of State Current Travel Warnings
- Israel Travel Guide
- Israel Travel and Hotel Guide
Contact
- For information on academic portions of the program, please contact Keli Perrin, ISPL Assistant Director
- Questions about foreign travel may be directed to SU Abroad.