Nik Alexander is a first 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.
Jim Allred is a second-year student the Space Policy Institute. Always looking for ways to contribute, for the next adventure. Having lived many careers: IBM, United States Navy, Bank of America, now, Jim looks upward towards the stars to help humanity. Jim is pursuing a Master of Arts in the International Science and Technology Policy Program with a concentration in Space Policy in the Elliott School of International Affairs at the George Washington University. Filled with vast and diverse experiences and interests, Jim provides the Space Policy Institute with leadership, expertise, compassion, and open eyes to new possibilities that await us in nearby planets, moons, and the stars beyond. Jim graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a Bachelor of Science Business Administration, International Business in 1995 and a Bachelor of Arts, Political Science in 1997. While serving in the United State Navy in the Indo-Pacific fleet from Japan onboard the USS ESSEX (LHD-2), Jim graduated with a Master in Strategic Intelligence in 2008.
Luke Baxter is a second-year 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 first-year graduate student in the International Science and Technology Policy program, concentrating on the intersections of space and national security 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. Following his graduation from SDSU, he worked at Goldman Sachs in the firm’s Global Markets Division. 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 this role, David works with various internal stakeholders to produce material discussing BIS’ approach to investment stewardship for clients, investors, public policymakers, and other audiences. 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 first-year graduate student at the Space Policy Institute and the Executive Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer at NASA headquarters in Washington, DC. Per delivers the agency’s Annual Financial Report (AFR), supports the yearly budgetary cadence, and assists with integrating the various NASA centers and HQ. Previously, he worked as an aide to Representative Rick Larsen (D-WA-02), helping to organize the Congressman’s winning campaign for Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Leadership. Per has been a lifelong supporter of space exploration, and his research interests include fostering a sustained human presence in space and government support for commercial space enterprise. In his free time, Per enjoys reading history, biking, astronomy, model rocketry, and waiting for the Mariners to finally win it all.
Oliver Du Bois is a second year graduate student at the Elliott School’s Space Policy Institute and a policy intern with the Commercial Spaceflight Federation. In 2023 he obtained his B.S. in Spaceflight Operations at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a Space Policy concentration, as well as minors in Aerospace Physiology, Human Factors and Aviation Safety. His current work at the Commercial Spaceflight Federation includes focus on major policy issues faced by the commercial space sector, including Launch and Reentry restrictions and streamlining duplicative regulatory processes. He has also presented a technical paper at the 2024 International Astronautical Congress for research conducted through the SPI. During his time in the SPI, Oliver will continue exploring his research area of focus on space sustainability, particularly in relation to space debris mitigation and remediation through international diplomacy.
Masatoshi “Toshi” Ebara is a first-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 Tier1 Prime Contractor for Space and Defense Systems. He is a 17+ 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 first-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.
Dana Kenow is a second year International Science and Technology Policy student concentrating in outer space policy. After completing her bachelor’s degree in international studies and Spanish at the University of Idaho, Dana joined the government affairs team as a space policy intern at the Space Foundation. In 2023, she moved to D.C. where she began her ISTP studies and has been in various legislative and government relations positions across industry sectors. Notably, she interned in the U.S. Senate for the Chairwoman of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, where she supported the science and technology staff in addition to the Subcommittee on Space and Science. Dana was a legislative and government relations intern at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) during the Spring, where she assisted the organization in policy research and advocacy for Earth and space science. She later transitioned to the commercial sector, joining the government and external relations team at Axiom Space. There, she assisted the GER team in leveraging the company’s mission and goals by engaging with policymakers on Capitol Hill and providing in-depth research and analysis on legislation.
Dohyeong Kim is a first-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 master's
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 first-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.
Katrina Lee is a first year graduate student in the ISTP program concentrating in Space Policy. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University Honors College in 2023. Previously, Katrina has interned at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as a Communications and Engagement Intern in NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Division. She accepted a full-time position in July 2023, as the Engagement Officer for NASA’s Commercialization, Innovation, and Synergies (CIS) Office. In her role, Katrina supports engagement opportunities with the goal of promoting partnerships with private entities, civil and defense agencies, and other nation’s governments to further space communication and navigation capabilities. She also was a Legislative Fellow at a lobbying firm called Monument Advocacy, where she had the opportunity to work with space clients and conduct legislative research. As part of the ISTP program, She is excited about researching the development of international cooperation in space, and how that is evolving with the introduction of the private sector.
Kendall Marston, a second-year graduate student in the ISTP program concentrating on Space Policy, currently works as a Senior Systems Administrator for V2X. A veteran of the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Corps, he served in a Missile Defense Command G2 in Germany after completing military training at Fort Huachuca and attending the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA. Before his service, he graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University with a BA in History and a minor in Diplomatic Studies in 2013, where he fed his long-held love for the worlds of the past, foreign languages, travel, and foreign relations. Like most of his interests, he developed an avid concern for humanity’s future in space and beyond from studying the past. His academic interests center on the intersection of mitigating potential conflict in space, the settlement of planetary bodies, and the necessary diplomatic efforts between space-faring (and non-space-faring) actors. In his free time, he enjoys reading, playing and watching soccer, and writing.
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.
Ryan Puleo is a second-year master’s student at the Elliott School’s Space Policy Institute. Ryan graduated magna cum laude from The George Washington University in 2023 with a B.A. in International Affairs, a concentration in international economics, and a minor in economics. He currently works as an analyst at BryceTech and his work concentrates on financial and economic analysis. Ryan has worked on BryceTech’s annual Start-up Space report for the past three years and has a keen interest in the economics and business of the space industry. During his time at SPI, Ryan will research how the business of the space industry has evolved in recent years, as well as what the future of this field will look like. In his free time, Ryan enjoys playing soccer, reading, and watching GW’s basketball teams.
Sydney Wisnosky is a first-year graduate student with an International Space Policy concentration within the International Science and Technology Policy program. While studying biology and criminology at the University of Miami for her undergraduate degree, she interned on the NASA Ames Extractor for Chemical Analysis of Lipid Biomarkers in Regolith (ExCALiBR) Project through the Axient Corporation. She has presented research at the 2022 Astrobiology Science Conference where she was awarded the NASA Mars Exploration Program Student Travel Grant to attend the conference. As she begins the ISTP program, she is excited to explore her interests in the policy side of planetary exploration as well as combine space with her previous criminology studies to explore the national security aspect of space policy.
Elif Yüksel is a young space professional and a Fulbrighter aiming at specializing in space policy issues at the Space Policy Institute. Connecting diplomacy and cooperation, she makes an effort to facilitate research in policies paving ways to use space applications for their integration into roadmaps. She worked as a long-term research intern at EURISY, European Space Agencies Associations, in the use of space applications for societal benefits. She is an alumnus of International Space University where she participated in the Space Studies Program (SSP’21). She graduated from International Relations BA program, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University. She has been a Datanaut selected by NASA to work interdisciplinarily for Open NASA’s Datanaut Program as a volunteer in 2018. She also worked as an intern at TUBITAK UZAY, Space Technologies and Research Institute, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye.
