People

Director

Professor Audrey Kurth Cronin is one of the world’s leading experts on security and how conflicts end. Her career incorporates experience in both academic and policy positions, both in the US and abroad. Before joining American University in 2016, she was founding Director of the International Security Program at George Mason University. Previously, she worked as a Specialist in Terrorism at the Congressional Research Service, advising Members of Congress in the aftermath of 9/11. She also held a number of positions in the US executive branch, including in the office of the Secretary of Defense for Policy, and was Director of Studies for Oxford University’s Changing Character of War program. She has been Chairman of the Global Agenda Council of the World Economic Forum and a frequent speaker at the WEF’s annual meeting in Davos. She is the author of dozens of articles and numerous books, notably including How Terrorism Ends: Understanding the Decline and Demise of Terrorist Campaigns (Princeton University Press, 2009).

Co-Director

Joshua Rovner is Associate Professor in the School of International Service at American University. He spent the last year as Scholar-in-Residence at the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command. Dr. Rovner's research focuses on intelligence and strategy. He is the author of Fixing the Facts: National Security and the Politics of Intelligence (Cornell University Press, 2011); and the co-editor of Chaos in the Liberal Order: The Trump Presidency and International Politics in the 21st Century (Columbia University Press, 2018). His recent scholarship explores issues surrounding new technologies and international security, including offensive cyberspace operations in peace and war, deterrence and emerging nuclear powers, and how the information revolution affects intelligence.

Supporting staff

Jess Regan, Program Specialist 

Jess's diverse background in higher education, non-profit work, and the digital arts allows her to provide a myriad of support to the Center through various channels including design work, content development, event planning, and program management. (regan@american.edu)

Anu Kumar, Graduate Assistant

Anu comes to AU with an undergraduate degree in Journalism and International Studies from Indiana University, Media school. She has experience in communication, journalism, and in policy. Anu assists the Center through content development and event support.

Emily Paxson, Graduate Assistant

Emily joins AU with a degree International Studies from Miami University. She has studied abroad in numerous locations and was a Fulbright scholar.   In addition to her current role as a teaching assistant, Emily offers general support to the Center.

Reid Barbier, CSINT Intern

Reid comes to AU with an undergraduate degree in Political Science from Southern Oregon University. He has taught English in South Korea and is currently a research assistant at AU. Reid provides content and research support to the Center.

Associated Faculty

2019-2020 CSINT Fellows

• Dan Lee - SIS, Foreign Policy and National Security
• Bob McDonald - SIS, Global Governance, Politics, and Security
• Nick Winstead - SIS, Foreign Policy and National Security