As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the milestones, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped my journey in 2024. This year has been nothing short of transformative, marked by professional growth, personal discoveries, and an unwavering commitment to the goals I set for myself. From academic achievements to cultural experiences, each moment has left an indelible mark.
The year began with a pivotal moment in early March, when I passed my portfolio defense, solidifying my progress in the doctoral program. This was followed by another major milestone in July, when I successfully defended my dissertation proposal and officially became a doctoral candidate in global security. These achievements marked the culmination of years of dedication and opened the door to deeper research and exploration. Another highlight was receiving the Fulbright Student Scholar grant to Romania, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to focus on the socio-economic and environmental impacts of climate change in the Danube Delta. Since October, my journey as a Fulbright grantee has been nothing short of life-changing.
One of my most significant accomplishments this year was completing my practicum project: developing eight comprehensive course modules on space security for the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies. This work required extensive research and collaboration, but the result was a curriculum designed to address pressing issues in the evolving field of space security. Presenting this work at the Space Education & Strategic Applications 2024 Virtual Conference was an incredible opportunity to share my research with the global academic community.
This year also marked the founding of the Women in Security (wSEC) student organization at American Public University, an initiative close to my heart. Through wSEC, I have worked to foster collaboration and empower women in global security. I also embraced opportunities to connect with the Romanian academic community by participating in cultural events like the Global Cuisine Tasting and planning educational lectures at the American Corner. These initiatives, combined with my research in the Danube Delta, underscored the importance of human-centered research and cultural understanding.
This year has been an extraordinary journey of exploration, spanning diverse landscapes, cultures, and personal discoveries. In Hawaii, I immersed myself in the islands’ rich heritage, including learning about the profound significance of Native Hawaiian traditions while presenting my work on space security. My travels also took me to New Zealand, where I was captivated by the stunning landscapes and the deeply spiritual Māori culture, which offered invaluable lessons on connection to land and community. I visited Monkey World in Dorset, England, where I spent peaceful mornings bonding with rescued primates and learning about the sanctuary’s inspiring conservation work. My hiking trips, including a challenging attempt to summit Mount Whitney, taught me resilience and the importance of respecting personal limits. These experiences, from cultural exploration to moments in nature, have deeply enriched my perspective and left me with a treasure trove of unforgettable memories.
In 2024, I had the privilege of contributing to several publications that highlight my evolving research interests and professional growth. Notably, I co-authored an article with Dr. James Burch, “Antisatellite Testing and a Whole New Era in Spacefaring: The Implication of China’s 2007 ASAT Test on Global Security and Strategic Intelligence,” published in Space Education and Strategic Applications (Vol. 4, Issue 4, June 21, 2024). This piece analyzed the far-reaching consequences of antisatellite (ASAT) testing on global security and the strategic intelligence landscape, using China’s 2007 ASAT test as a focal point. I also wrote extensively on global security issues, including climate change and its socio-economic impacts on vulnerable communities, particularly those in river deltas. My work further delved into the intersection of space security and international relations, contributing to academic discussions on governance and deterrence in space. These publications allowed me to share my expertise and deepened my understanding of complex issues, sparking meaningful conversations with academics and professionals worldwide. I authored blogs exploring global security through the lens of Interstellar and Three-Body Problem and historical events like Pearl Harbor. My writing extended to academic outputs, including research proposals and conference presentations, which reflected my growth as both a scholar and a storyteller.
Moving to Romania with my two cats, Pitzi and Chip, was another milestone this year. The logistics of an international move were challenging, but the excitement of beginning a new chapter outweighed the difficulties. I immersed myself in Romania’s culture and history, visiting the Danube Delta villages were some of the personal highlights that made this year unforgettable.
As I look back on 2024, I am filled with gratitude, for the opportunities I have been given, the people who have supported me, and the experiences that have shaped my journey. Each accomplishment, no matter how big or small, has been a step toward personal and professional growth. This year has been a reminder of the importance of persistence, adaptability, and connection. As I move into 2025, I carry with me the lessons and memories of this remarkable year, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead.