Current Graduate Students

Nik Alexander is a second year graduate student at the Space Policy Institute, with a focus on deconfliction and management of systems on other celestial bodies. He is currently the managing editor of Space Scout, a volunteer news organization covering a wide range of space related news topics including policy, defense, human spaceflight, international relations, space architecture and more. Through Space Scout, they have covered events such as the return of samples from Bennu on the OSIRIS-REx mission, launch of several crews to the International Space Station, and engaged in dialogues with members of NASA, the State Department and foreign space agencies in diplomacy and science conferences across the D.C area. In 2021, Nik spent time researching historical space policy for his award winning alternate history novel, Proxima: A Human Exploration of Mars – which tells the story of a mission to Mars in the mid 1990s, constructed by the Space Shuttle. This further supported his love of science fiction writing, which has led to several nominations and recognitions across the writing sphere. Outside of creative writing, he enjoys working with computers, photography, spending time in nature, going to see live music, aviation and the Alien franchise.

Luke Baxter is a graduate student at the Space Policy Institute. He is currently a Leahy Vetting Officer at the U.S. Department of State, overseeing the implementation of the Leahy Laws and working human rights issues. Luke has also served as the Chairman of an election precinct for the Alaska Division of Elections and as a Cyber Systems Operations Specialist for the United States Air Force. Luke graduated from Penn State with a B.A. in International Politics. He is pursuing both a M.A. in Security Policy Studies and a Graduate Certificate in International Science and Technology Policy. His academic and professional interests are emerging threats, human security, and strategic competition in space. In his free time, Luke enjoys hiking and trying new restaurants with his wife.

David Beck is a graduate student in the International Science and Technology Policy program, concentrating on space policy. A native of San Diego, California, and a 2021 graduate in political science from San Diego State University (SDSU), he has experience in finance, public policy, and communications. In 2020, David completed an internship at the White House National Space Council (NSpC), where he supported its staff by researching space policy and assisting in the facilitation of the interagency review process. Prior to his internship at the NSpC, he worked in local electoral politics. Since 2022, David has worked for BlackRock’s Investment Stewardship (BIS) team, sitting on a team responsible for BIS’ global thought leadership and editorial activities. In his free time, David primarily enjoys listening to podcasts and audiobooks on corporate, military, aerospace, and political history; discovering new music; trying new restaurants; and learning about art and architecture.

Per Bergstrom is a second-year graduate student at the Space Policy Institute and an Executive Assistant in the Office of the Administrator at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. Per directly supports NASA’s senior civil servants, assisting them with implementing their agendas and liaising with the agency’s offices, mission directorates, and centers. Previously, he worked as an assistant to NASA’s Chief Financial Officer and as an aide to Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), helping to organize the congressman’s successful campaign for House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee leadership. A lifelong supporter of space exploration, Per’s research interests include fostering a sustained human presence in space and advancing government support for commercial space enterprises. In his free time, he enjoys reading history, biking, astronomy, model rocketry, and waiting for the Mariners to finally win it all.

Masatoshi “Toshi” Ebara is a second-year graduate student at the Space Policy Institute with a background in Space/Defense Systems Engineering and Business Development He works as Executive Professional for NEC Corporation in Japan, a Prime Contractor for Space and Defense Systems. He is a 18+ years expert on Space Systems Project Management and Systems Engineering in the areas of Interplanetary Explorers, LEO EO satellites, and LEO constellations. He also has 6+ year experience in Space utilization, like commercial satellite imagery sales, missile defense and SSA(Space Situational Awareness).He has a M.A. in Astronomy at the University of Tokyo and did his academic research as a JAXA project assistant, which helped him hold a Scientist mindset. Toshi’s primary goal is to find a way for the Government, Academia, and Industry to talk the same language. Therefore, his research will cover the best practices of Space International cooperation, Diplomacy drivers, and policy to handle innovative new technology. His main focus will be, how the private sector can contribute to these efforts.

Sophie Goguichvili is a second-year graduate student in the International Science and Technology Policy program concentrating in Space Policy. She currently works as a Program Associate with the Wilson Center’s Science and Technology and Innovation Program, working on space, artificial intelligence, and emerging technology policy broadly. In her role, she leads the Wilson Center’s Across Karman initiative which aims to bring space policy back down to Earth by helping people and policymakers understand how space systems and space-enabled technologies contribute to our day-to-day lives. She also manages the Wilson Center Technology Labs, the flagship training series for Legislative and Executive Branch staff on foundational topics in AI and cybersecurity, which aim to foster a more informed and effective technology policy environment. Previously, Sophie worked as the Executive Speechwriter for former Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-CA-36) during her tenure as CEO and President of the Wilson Center. She received her BA in International Studies from American University and is a fluent speaker of French and Georgian.

Yemoni Huguely is a second-year graduate student in the ISTP certificate program with a focus in Space Policy. Yemoni earned his BS in engineering from Miami University and Ohio and his MS in leadership from Boston University. He currently serves at the Pentagon as a Liaison at the Washington Liaison Office for United States Space Command. The team performs interagency collaboration to facilitate information sharing between USSPACECOM and other government agencies, such as DoD, DoS, and members of the intelligence community. Yemoni has a systems engineering/acquisitions background before his current position, having been responsible for a $240M mission integration contract and interacted with 40 personnel responsible for hardware procurement and satellite vehicle integration on National Security Space Launch missions. In his spare time he enjoys working on his golf game, practicing yoga, bike riding, boxing, and running. Last but not least, he is a proud plant dad!

Jessica Jelke is a first-year graduate student at the Space Policy Institute and a Space Technology Investments Intern at NASA Headquarters. She is also a three-time NASA JPL intern, NASA grant award winner, and was selected as one of 68 top STEM students nationwide to receive the prestigious Astronaut Scholarship in 2022. After graduating from the University of Washington’s Astronomy and Physics Departments, Jessica began working as an Educator at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Jessica has presented her research on space debris remediation and Mars settlement at the Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction, the International Space Development Conference Rising Stars Session, and ASF’s Innovators Week. Jessica’s fascination with the growing instability of the space environment led her to the Elliott School, where she’s eager to investigate the challenges posed by new space actors and integrate policy into space sustainability solutions. Inspired by her attendance at the 6th Summit for Space Sustainability in Japan, Jessica is eager to learn Japanese and continue traveling (or potentially working) abroad. Outside of her academic interests, Jessica is passionate about domestic violence advocacy. In her free time, you can find her playing volleyball, dancing, reading, or spending time with her two kitties.

Annalise Johnson is a first-year graduate student studying international science and
technology policy with a concentration in space policy. Their research interests center around
international space governance, the business-government relationship, and innovation policy.
Annalise is currently interning with the Forward Defense program at the Atlantic Council in the
Young Global Professionals program. They were also a 2024 Brooke Owens Fellow, interning
with the Aerospace Security Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Annalise graduated from the Ohio State University in May with a BS in public policy analysis
and minors in science and technology policy, economics, and German. While at Ohio State, they
participated in the Washington Academic Internship Program, studied abroad through the
Dresden Summer Language Program, and interned in the Ohio House of Representatives.
Annalise also served on the leadership of Diamond Grove Scholars, a student organization
engaging students of all disciplines in the space industry, through which they helped to organize
the university’s first space-specific student venture competition.

Dohyeong Kim is a second-year graduate student specializing in Space Policy in the International
Science and Technology Policy program. He graduated from the Republic of Korea (ROK) Naval
Academy with a B.A.in Management Science in 2018. Recently, he served as an operation
officer on the 2nd fleet of the ROK Navy. Previously, he had served as an Anti-Submarine
warfare officer, Acquisition officer, Communication officer etc. His sea tours include FFG
(Frigate, Guided Missile), DDG (Guided missile destroyers) etc. After completing his masters
program, he will continue to serve as a naval officer. He had completed several space-related
courses, such as Orbital Mechanics, Space 100 Course, and Coalition Space Course at the U.S.
Space Force and U.S. Air Force at Colorado Springs.
He aims to leverage his graduate studies to delve into “National security space strategy”
designed to cope with potential threats from adversaries and “How to strengthen the space
partnership between the allies and partners” that can bring various countries together towards
continuous, sustainable cooperation and developing the rules and norms of behavior. During
his free time, he enjoys playing and watching soccer games and running.

Jonathan Larson is a second-year graduate student in the International Science & Technology
Policy program. He currently works as a contractor for Precise Systems Inc., directly supporting
the Commander of Naval Sea Systems Command within the Department of the Navy. He
graduated from Indiana University – Bloomington in 2018 with a Bachelor’s in International
Affairs. He then went on to earn his commission as an officer in the United States Army in
2019. He served for four years, three of which were with the 3 rd Infantry Division which saw him
spend time overseas in both the Republic of Korea and the Federal Republic of Germany. He
has an interest in combining his military experience and knowledge of global politics with the
expanding policy areas of space exploration and the proliferation of advanced technologies. In
his free time he enjoys reading, going on hikes or walking through downtown DC, exploring the
many new locations that the city has to offer.

Elena McGovern, is delighted to be a student of space policy and part of the Space Policy Institute. Elena is currently a Managing Director at Capstone, a policy and regulatory advisory firm, where she co-leads a practice focused on national security and defense. Her work includes leading due diligence and advisory engagements for institutional investor and corporate clients needing to navigate and anticipate the evolving policy and regulatory landscape in national security, defense, and geopolitics. In addition to her space policy studies at SPI, Elena also has a dual master’s degree in international economics and strategic studies from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Lehigh University. She resides in Washington, DC.

Yubi Peterson is a second-year graduate student in the ISTP program concentrating on Space Policy. She currently works at Peace Corps as a Product Manager and IT Specialist. Previously, she served as a Peace Corps Volunteer teaching English in Guizhou, China. She graduated from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa with a Bachelors in Computer Science and in Economics. She has an interest in orbital debris removal and the use of space technologies in the Arctic. In her free time, she enjoys backpacking, surfing, and scuba diving.

Daniel Walker is a first-year student at the Space Policy Institute and a lifelong enthusiast of outer space. At just six years old, he was already a member of a local astronomy club and presenting independent research on dwarf planets to his elementary school. Since then, he has continued to stay abreast of developments in space and technology: attending the kickoff event for the Curiosity Mars rover, being a project lead at an APL space camp, and presenting research on artificial intelligence in Valencia, Spain. In May of 2024, he graduated from Auburn University with an Interdisciplinary degree in Aerospace Engineering and Public Administration, developing a senior research thesis on the subject of satellite collision avoidance policy. In the past year since graduating, he has worked as a research intern for the Institute of World Politics, interned with the American Council on Renewable Energy as a Demmer Scholar, and published a science fiction/fantasy novel, World Weaver. In his free time, he likes to write and research creatively for his YouTube channel, Thought Cabin.