When I embarked on my doctoral journey, colleagues at NASA warned me about the dissertation phase. They told me it would be the most challenging part: I would become a monster no one would tolerate. At the time, I laughed it off. Now, deep into the process, I see their point. A dissertation is not […]
Writing a Doctoral Dissertation: A Full-Time Job Read More »
Throughout The Stand, Stephen King presents a post-pandemic world where survival is not merely about enduring the initial catastrophe but also about adapting and rebuilding. The survivors of the superflu must navigate a new world without modern civilization’s infrastructure, institutions, and conveniences. Some communities thrive through cooperation and resourcefulness, while others fall into fear and authoritarianism.
This week, we paused to reflect on NASA’s Day of Remembrance, an annual observance to honor the lives of the brave men and women who lost their lives in the pursuit of space exploration. This solemn occasion is a time to recognize the sacrifices made by astronauts and ground teams whose courage and dedication to advancing
NASA’s Day of Remembrance: Honoring the Legacy of Exploration Read More »
On January 27, 2025, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued Memorandum M-25-13, a directive mandating a temporary pause on all federal financial assistance programs, including grants and loans, to ensure alignment with the administration’s stated priorities. Effective January 28, this memorandum has profound implications for critical research areas, including space exploration, medical advancements,
The Federal Pause on Research Grants: A Global Security Concern Read More »
Water is life. Yet, in regions like California’s Central Valley, water is also conflict. The Trump administration’s controversial efforts to increase water deliveries from California’s Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to farms and cities reignited a debate that has long been simmering: How do we balance ecological preservation with human and economic demands? At the heart of
Water Wars in the Age of Climate Change: California’s Delta and the Politics of Scarcity Read More »
In October 2024, I left my position at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to embark on a Fulbright research project in Romania. It was a bittersweet transition, but now, as I observe the unfolding changes within federal agencies in the United States, I feel fortunate for the timing. Recent directives to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Reflections on DEI Challenges at NASA and Their Security Implications Read More »
I am thrilled to announce the publication of my first book chapter, “New Zealand’s Pandemic Response: A Model for Climate Crisis Management,” as part of The Indo-Pacific Mosaic: Comprehensive Security Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. This chapter delves into how New Zealand’s comprehensive and science-driven approach to COVID-19 management provides a compelling framework for tackling other
Exploring New Zealand’s Pandemic Response: Insights from My First Published Book Chapter Read More »
Stephen King’s The Stand is a compelling exploration of leadership during an unparalleled crisis. As the superflu pandemic decimates the population, survivors rebuild their lives and societies, filling the void of collapsing governments. The novel vividly portrays how leadership can either foster resilience and unity or exploit fear and division. This blog examines the role of leadership
The interplay between conservation policies and human security has become increasingly contentious, especially in regions where ecosystems and livelihoods are deeply intertwined. California’s current wildfires, falsely blamed on environmental regulations, and conservation efforts in delta regions, such as those protecting the delta smelt, exemplify this tension. These debates reveal a broader challenge: how to balance
Balancing Conservation and Human Security: Lessons from California and Delta Communities Read More »
Pandemics, Power, and Planetary Peril: Global Security Lessons from “The Stand” is a five-part blog series exploring Stephen King’s The Stand as a lens to examine critical global security challenges. King’s apocalyptic tale reflects humanity’s vulnerabilities and the systems we rely on to survive, from pandemics and biosecurity to climate change and societal resilience. By connecting the novel’s
