Patrick Quirk, SIS/MA '06

Management Associate, Conflict Prevention and Electoral Security at Creative Associates International; Ph.D. Candidate at Johns Hopkins University, specializing in International Relations, Security Studies, and Comparative Politics

"In addition to the exceptional accessibility and dedication to students, the faculty's blend of academic and practical experience brought a real world dimension to class discussions and course work. The knowledge and skills I gained at SIS have been invaluable in my professional work and in the publication of my first book."

Migael Penix, SIS/MA '11 (Americas)

Rangel Fellow; Foreign Service Officer, U.S. Department of State

"I made the decision to come to SIS not only because it is situated in the U.S. capital, but also because AU's class scheduling allows you ample opportunity to experience everything in it. My classes have been taught by experienced passionate professors, who have made an effort to know me and my future goals, making the classes very relevant. AU has complemented the Rangel Fellowship program by providing opportunities, like attending seminars, high level speeches, and study abroad opportunities, which have and continue to enhance my understanding of the theoretical and practical components of international relations."

Michelle Warren, SIS/MA '09 (Europe)

Foreign Affairs Officer,  Department of State, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR)

"I work on nonproliferation, arms control, and political-military affairs for the European and Eurasian Affairs Bureau.  Currently, I focus on U.S.-Turkey security cooperation, nonproliferation and disarmament programs in Ukraine, and Iran sanctions policy and implementation.  I work regularly with colleagues in the International Security and Nonproliferation Bureau, as well as interagency colleagues at the Departments of Defense, Energy, Treasury and Commerce.  I also communicate with our Embassies in Europe and Eurasia to ensure a consistent and coordinated approach to U.S. foreign policy in the region.  In addition, I completed two Presidential Management Fellow (PMF) rotations -- one as the Human Rights Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine from May-September 2010 and another as the Foreign Policy Fellow for Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. from April-September 2011.

"The CRS program prepared me well for my current position by providing a solid foundation in comparative politics and political economy.  Working in an office where I cover more than thirty countries in Europe and Eurasia, this comparative approach gave me the skills to be able to quickly analyze and assess regional trends and differences, which I can then use to help inform U.S. foreign policy in the region.  Moreover, my experience studying abroad at Sciences Po Paris provided a unique insight into the French and EU perspective on a range of policy issues including immigration, counterterrorism, and human rights -- which often intersect with security-related concerns.  I will forever value the relationships I forged both in Washington and Paris, and I truly appreciate the flexible program that a CRS degree offers for the future foreign policymaker."