The 2025-26 Application Process Is Now Open!

The Center for Security, Innovation, and New Technology (CSINT) is excited to invite applications for our highly competitive CSINT Fellows Program for the 2025-26 academic year. This is a unique opportunity where you can dive deep into impactful research, collaborate with leading experts, and build your professional network in an engaging and hands-on environment. 

CSINT is an interdisciplinary research hub at American University that addresses both traditional and non-traditional security questions, placing particular emphasis on the risks and opportunities of emerging technologies. The Center’s areas of focus include democracy innovation, state-sponsored cyber warfare, the intersection of technology and geopolitics, and frontier technologies.

As a CSINT Fellow, you’ll gain: 

  • Professional & Research Experience: Work closely with our team on cutting-edge research and contribute to impactful publications and policy discussions. 

  • Networking Opportunities: Engage with prominent speakers, experts, and leaders through exclusive events, interviews, and collaborations. 

  • Writing & Publishing: Publish your own work (briefs, articles, blogs) on the CSINT website and gain experience writing for a global audience. 

  • Workshops & Events: Participate in research workshops and events hosted by CSINT. 

  • Please note that while CSINT Fellows are unpaid, there may be opportunities to work as research assistants on center projects and contribute to our policy research paper series, which are compensated at AU student rates. 

We’re seeking dynamic, passionate students who: 

  • Have a curiosity-driven mindset and a clear interest in cybersecurity and emerging technology. 

  • Are self-motivated, proactive, and energetic. 

  • Have strong writing skills and a keen eye for detail. 

  • Are excited to engage with complex, real-world policy issues. 

General CSINT Fellow Requirements: 

  • Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per week. 

  • Collaborative Research: Work with other Fellows and CSINT faculty on projects exploring security issues and the impact of new technologies. 

  • Publishing: Write briefs, articles, and blog posts, and create videos for publication on our website. 

  • Event Participation: Attend and support CSINT events and workshops and interact with experts in the field. 

  • Leadership Opportunities: Lead or mentor smaller groups, assist with event organization, and support initiatives like article reviews and field trips. 

  • Summer Engagement: Optional opportunities to connect with your cohort and program manager during the summer 2025 term. 

Eligibility: 

  • Applicants must be enrolled as undergraduate, masters, or doctoral students at American University. Consideration will also be given to recent graduates (within the last 3 years). 

  • Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.5. 

How to Apply: 

To apply, email the following documents to our program specialist, Kate Munro, at csint@american.edu. Please use the subject line “CSINT Fellows Application.” 

  • A one-page statement explaining your interest in the Fellows Program, what you hope to achieve if you are selected and why. Please indicate which of the CSINT research themes you would like to be affiliated with. 

  • Your C.V. 

  • An unofficial transcript, with GPA 

  • A writing sample, preferably on a topic related to cybersecurity and/or emerging technologies. 

Deadline: 

All applications must be submitted by 9 AM on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.