Sarah Skinner 

The 54th Rhodes Scholar - Class of 2022

Skinner hails from Atlanta and graduated with honors in political science, with a Chinese minor, from the Naval Academy. Her honors research focused on evaluating the effectiveness of middle power nations in mitigating competition between the U.S. and China. She also studied Taiwanese virtually through National Taiwan University. At USNA, Skinner was the 21st Company Commander, the Navy Women’s Rugby team captain, and a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society, while previously serving as the 21st Company drill and honor sergeant. As a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, she completed an M.Phil. in International Relations and Affairs. She now serves as a Surface Warfare Officer.

Lillian Ngo Usadi

The 53rd Rhodes Scholar -  Class of 2021 

Usadi was an electrical engineering major at the Naval Academy, graduating with distinction as a Bowman Scholar and a Trident Scholar. Her undergraduate research focused on the acoustic manipulation of microbots, which tied into her passion for classical music as the concertmaster for the USNA Symphony Orchestra. She also served as President of the Jewish Midshipmen Club. As a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, she completed an M.Sc. in Engineering Science by research, studying in the Physical Acoustics Lab and playing violin in the Oxford University Orchestra. She currently serves as a Submarine Officer.

Margaret Dods

The 52nd Rhodes Scholar - Class of 2019

Dods hails from Linwood, New Jersey, and graduated from the Naval Academy as an English and Arabic double major with a perfect grade point average. During her 1st Class year, she served as a Battalion Commander overseeing roughly 750 Midshipmen, and she is an avid runner who has completed three marathons. As a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, she completed an M.Phil. in Modern Middle Eastern Studies, focusing her research on Middle Eastern literature and producing three original translations of Syrian texts. She currently serves as an officer in the United States Marine Corps.

Nate Bermel

The 51st Rhodes Scholar  - Class of 2018 

Bermel was a quantitative economics and political science double major at the Naval Academy, graduating with distinction while ranking first in Academic Order of Merit. He served as the Brigade Honor Advisor, was a Stamps Scholar, played on the two-time National Championship Club Lacrosse team, and summited Denali in 2016. As a midshipman, he interned with the State Department's Bureau of Energy Resources countering ISIL and led a climate research project at Kwajalein Atoll. As a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, he completed a Master of Public Policy with merit at the Blavatnik School of Government. He now serves as a Naval Aviator flying F/A-18 Super Hornets.

Lucinda Ford

The 50th Rhodes Scholar  - Class of 2017

Ford majored in ocean engineering while at the Naval Academy. She divided her time between singing in USNA’s Women's Glee Club, mentoring local youth through the Arundel County Teen Court, and winning her age group in the North Face Endurance Challenge marathon. She also worked and volunteered abroad in Singapore and Rwanda. As a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, she completed an M.Sc. in Environmental Change and Management alongside a Master of Public Policy. She served as a Submarine Officer and later returned to USNA as an instructor. She now continues her service in the reserves.

Megan Musilli

The 49th Rhodes Scholar - Class of 2016 

Musilli graduated from the Naval Academy as a mathematics major, conducting research on traumatic brain injury at Walter Reed, satellite tracking at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and data compression algorithms. At USNA, she served as a Regimental Commander, studied abroad in Istanbul, volunteered aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort during a humanitarian deployment, and rowed for the Patriot League champion varsity crew team. As a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, she completed an M.Sc. in Medical Anthropology, focusing on women’s health in the military, alongside a Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government. She subsequently attended medical school to serve as a physician and medical policymaker.

Katie Whitcombe

The 48th Rhodes Scholar - Class of 2013

Sliwoski is a Phoenix, Arizona native who majored in Chinese at the Naval Academy. Outside the classroom, she competed in the 400-meter intermediate hurdles on the varsity track and field team and studied abroad in Beijing and Tianjin. As a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, she completed an M.Phil. in Economic and Social History, focusing her research on Southeast Asian history alongside intensive Indonesian language study. She commissioned into the United States Marine Corps as a logistics and supply chain manager. Her military career includes deploying to Iraq as a lead logistics advisor, managing large-scale supply operations, and serving as an operations manager within Marine Corps Recruiting. She was later selected for advanced operational planning training at Marine Corps University.

Christian Heller

The 47th Rhodes Scholar - Class of 2013

Heller reported to the Naval Academy from Beulah, North Dakota, graduating with honors as a history major and Arabic minor. As a midshipman, he participated in the Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference and pursued writing on military history and national security. As a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, he completed an M.Phil. in Middle Eastern Studies at St. Antony's College. He commissioned into the United States Marine Corps, serving as an Intelligence Officer with assignments in the U.S., Middle East, and Asia, which included a rotation as a director on the National Security Council staff. He went on to earn a Master of Computer and Information Technology from the University of Pennsylvania and transitioned to the private sector as a technology solutions executive managing automation, AI, and cloud solutions.

Caroline Barlow

The 46th Rhodes Scholar  - Class of 2011

Barlow came to the Naval Academy from Jacksonville, Florida. She studied Oceanography and was at the top of her class with a 3.94 GPA. She was a member of the 2009 National Collegiate Champion Coed Triathlon Team and in the fall of her 1st Class year served as the Brigade Commander, which is the senior Midshipman in the Brigade command structure. In this role she worked closely with the Commandant of Midshipmen to ensure a high state of efficiency within the Brigade and mutual respect for every Midshipman. Barlow commissioned as a Surface Warfare Officer, and she went on to pursue a M.Sc. in Environmental Change and Management at Oxford.

John Moore

The 45th Rhodes Scholar  - Class of 2008

John Moore graduated at the top of his class at the Naval Academy, majoring in Chemistry. During the summer of 2017 he served as the Regimental Commander for the 4/C Regiment, which made him the highest ranking Midshipman in the Plebe Summer chain of command. Moore was known for his volunteerism as a Midshipman, working in the shock trauma center at the University of Maryland Medical Center and actively participating in the Midshipman Action Group. In his free time Moore enjoys running, and is a Marine Corps Marathon and Bel Monte 50k finisher. Moore plans to serve our country as a Navy Doctor. 

Sean Genis

The 44th Rhodes Scholar - Class of 2007

A native of Sharon, Pennsylvania, Genis graduated first in his class at the Naval Academy with a B.S. in Physics. During his time on the Yard, he served as a Regimental Commander, sang in the Glee club, competed on the cycling team, and sailed across the Atlantic Ocean while studying abroad at the Spanish Naval Academy. As a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, he completed an M.A. in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. He went on to complete naval nuclear propulsion training and commissioned into the submarine community. His naval career includes multiple mission deployments, working in personnel management as an Assistant Nuclear Enlisted Community Manager, and serving as an Engineer Officer aboard a fast attack nuclear submarine.

Paul Angelo

The 43rd Rhodes Scholar  - Class of 2006

Angelo graduated with honors from the Naval Academy with a B.S. in Political Science and a minor in Spanish, earning a Truman Scholarship. As a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, he completed an M.Phil. with distinction in Latin American Studies, focusing on security assistance in Central and South America. His active-duty naval service spanned operational tours as a Surface Warfare Officer deployed to the Pacific, a diplomatic liaison assignment at the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, a personnel exchange assignment with the British Royal Navy, and a faculty appointment teaching Spanish and politics at USNA. After transitioning from active duty, he earned a Ph.D. in Politics from University College London. He went on to serve as a Fellow for Latin America Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, Director of the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies, and Managing Director for Northern Latin America at a strategic advisory firm, while continuing his military service as a Reserve Foreign Area Officer.

Jacquelyn Bengfort

The 42nd Rhodes Scholar  - Class of 2006

Bengfort graduated with distinction from the Naval Academy as an English major, earning both the Rhodes and Truman Scholarships alongside top institutional prizes for literature and identity studies. While a midshipman, she was a highland dancer with the Pipes and Drums corps and interned with the Institute for Defense Analyses. As a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, she completed an M.Phil. in Social Anthropology, focusing her research on South Asian diaspora identities. She entered the naval service as a Surface Warfare Officer, qualifying in multiple high-stakes watchstanding and departmental leadership roles over six years at sea. After completing her service obligation, she earned a Master of Fine Arts in Poetry from the Iowa Writers' Workshop as a Rona Jaffe Graduate Fellow. She went on to work as a freelance writer, creative writing instructor, and published poet, and currently serves as a program marketing manager in the educational non-profit sector.

Nicholas Schmitz

The 41st Rhodes Scholar  - Class of 2006

Schmitz entered the United States Marine Corps out of high school before being accepted into the Naval Academy, where he graduated first in his class with a B.S. in Economics, International Relations, and Japanese. As a midshipman, he served as the First Regimental Commander overseeing more than 2,000 of his peers and was awarded the peer-nominated Kauffman Award for leadership and service. As a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, he completed an M.Phil. in Economic and Social History. He then served as a Marine Corps Infantry Officer, deploying operationally and later serving on the faculty at USNA. After transitioning to corporate life, he earned an M.B.A. from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and spent several years in investment banking and investment management as an asset partner. He now serves in academia as an assistant professor and endowed chair of finance.

William Kelly

The 40th Rhodes Scholar  - Class of 2005

Kelly graduated from the Naval Academy with a degree in Political Science and Government. Selected as both a Harry S. Truman Scholar and a Rhodes Scholar, he completed graduate studies at the Harvard Kennedy School and earned a Master’s degree in Global Governance and Diplomacy from the University of Oxford. On active duty, Kelly became a decorated F/A-18 Strike Fighter Pilot and Instructor Pilot, accumulating over 2,200 flight hours and 330 carrier arrested landings across combat deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria. He later served in Washington, D.C., as a Senior Advisor to the Chief of Staff at the National Security Council and as Special Advisor for Defense to the Vice President. After transitioning to the Navy Reserve, Kelly worked as a Strategic Consultant for McKinsey & Company, specializing in aerospace, defense, and autonomous systems, and concurrently served as a civilian Deputy Program Manager and Contract Adversary Pilot for RAVN Aerospace. His reserve assignments included serving as Chief of Staff for the Office of Naval Intelligence’s Farragut Technical Analysis Center and a mobilization as the active-duty Operations Department Head at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.

Joseph Preston

The 39th Rhodes Scholar  - Class of 2005

Preston was an Information Technology major at the Naval Academy. As Brigade Physical Mission Officer his 1/C year, Preston was responsible to the Brigade Commander for all aspects of Midshipman physical readiness and education. He also was a member of the triathlon team, which won the national championship twice. Preston went on to study General Linguistics at Oxford.

Jason Shell

The 38th Rhodes Scholar  - Class of 2005

Shell was an honors history major with a Spanish minor at the Naval Academy. He was known for his roles as the Brigade Conduct and Aptitude Officer, responsible to the Brigade Commander for all matters involving Midshipmen conduct and aptitude. During one of his summers at USNA, Shell earned his jump wings from the Army Airborne School in Ft. Benning. Shell selected the Explosive Ordnance Disposal community upon his graduation and went on to study International Relations at Oxford.

Trevor Thompson

The 37th Rhodes Scholar  - Class of 2005

Thompson hails from Kent, Washington, and graduated with honors as a history major, ranking at the top of his class as a third-generation Naval Academy graduate. As a midshipman, he played varsity baseball, served as the First Regimental Commander, and helped establish a community building program for midshipmen in Nicaragua. As a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, he completed an M.Phil. in Economic and Social History. He then entered the naval service, commissioning into the Special Warfare community where he spent fourteen years as a Navy SEAL officer leading high-performing teams worldwide. After transitioning to the private sector, he entered corporate technology leadership, serving as the president of an agricultural robotics company before shifting to an artificial intelligence firm where he serves as a global managing director overseeing international enterprise and government AI solutions.

Emelia Spencer

The 36th Rhodes Scholar  - Class of 2002

Spencer studied political science at the Naval Academy, serving as the Brigade Operations Officer and the Director of Education for the Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference, while also competing on the varsity intercollegiate dinghy team. As a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, she earned two master’s degrees, completing an M.Sc. in Forced Migration and an M.Sc. in Economic and Social History. She entered the naval service as a Surface Warfare Officer, managing shipboard communication and weapons systems, and later served as a special advisor and speechwriter to the Chief of Naval Operations. She returned to USNA as an instructor in American Government and senior fellowship advisor before transitioning to civilian technical leadership. She spent nearly a decade at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, culminating in her role as Chief Communications Officer on the executive council. She now serves as a Senior Fellow at a prominent security and emerging technology think tank, leading research on artificial intelligence applications in national security, and she serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Association of American Rhodes Scholars.

Joshua Nassiri

The 35th Rhodes Scholar  - Class of 2001

Nassiri graduated first in his class academically from the Naval Academy with a perfect 4.0 GPA in chemistry and a minor in German, which included a deployment as an exchange officer aboard a German navy frigate. As a midshipman, he served as president of the Men's Glee Club and co-coordinated a student-run volunteer program for sick children at Johns Hopkins Hospital. As a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, he completed an M.Sc. in the History of Medicine, writing his thesis on the intersection of nuclear power and submarine medicine while also singing in an all-male acapella group. He went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine from Harvard Medical School and qualified as a Navy Diver and Undersea Medical Officer. His military medical career spans leadership roles as a Director of Education at the Naval Undersea Medical Institute, a Chief Resident and Transitional Year Residency Program Director, and a Department Head of Radiology aboard a hospital ship. He also serves as an assistant professor of radiology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and as a diagnostic staff radiologist.

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More can be read about the Rhodes Scholarship at the Rhodes Scholarship website,  http://www.rhodesscholar.org.

Charlotte d'Halluin

The 35th Marshall Scholar  - Class of 2024

d’Halluin is from Jersey City, NJ, and majored in Mechanical Engineering. She served as the Operations Officer for USNA’s Science and Engineering Conference and the Commanding Officer for the Formula SAE Capstone, in which Navy Racing 2024 built an electric race car from scratch. In 2021, she participated in a language program in Haifa, Israel. She was honored to serve as the Team Captain of Navy’s Varsity Women's Rugby Team during her senior year. She went on to pursue an MSc in Energy, Society and Sustainability at the University of Edinburgh and an MPhil in Engineering for Sustainable Development at the University of Cambridge. She now serves as a Submarine Officer.

Evan Robertson

The 34th Marshall Scholar  - Class of 2022

Robertson was a double major in aerospace engineering and physics at the Naval Academy. One of five Stamps Scholars in his class, he conducted research with NASA on autonomous satellite robotics and space system design. At USNA, he was a varsity rower on the Heavyweight Crew Team, a vice president for the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the Tau Beta Pi honor society, and founded a student rock music organization. As a Marshall Scholar, he attended Cranfield University and completed an M.Sc. in Astronautics and Space Engineering, where his research focused on advanced nuclear space propulsion and spacecraft design. He continued to support space operations as a military intern at the NASA Johnson Space Center, and he now serves as a Naval Aviator flying the F/A-18 Super Hornet.

Kade Heckel

The 33rd Marshall Scholar  - Class of 2022

Heckel hails from Hughesville, Pennsylvania, and was a double major in computer science and computer engineering at the Naval Academy, graduating eighth in his class with distinction. He was a Trident Scholar, conducting research on machine learning for network intrusion detection, and served as the vice president of the Cyber Security Team. During his time on the Yard, his research into vulnerabilities within commercial 3D printing technologies influenced Navy shipboard technical requirements and led to presentation invitations at defense cyber security conferences. As a midshipman, he also completed technical internships with the National Security Agency and the National Reconnaissance Office. As a Marshall Scholar, he earned an M.Sc. in Artificial Intelligence and Adaptive Systems with distinction from the University of Sussex and an M.Phil. in Machine Learning and Machine Intelligence from the University of Cambridge, focusing his research on evolutionary computation and network countermeasures for autonomous cyber agents. He now serves as a Cyber Warfare Engineer, where he continues his work with machine learning systems, AI security, and network forensics.

Quinn O'Loane

The 32nd Marshall Scholar  - Class of 2021

O'Loane completed a double major in econometrics and quantitative economics alongside political science and government at the Naval Academy. While on the Yard, he was honored to serve as Executive Officer to the Brigade of Midshipmen. As a Marshall Scholar, he attended the University of York, where he competed on the university rowing team and earned his master's degree in International Relations and Affairs with First Class Honors, focusing his academic work on allied engagement in the Indo-Pacific Command. Following the completion of his graduate studies, he entered military flight training and currently serves as a Student Naval Aviator in the strike fighter pipeline.

Christian Hoffman

The 31st Marshall Scholar  - Class of 2020

Hoffman earned his B.S. in Chemistry from the Naval Academy, where he conducted two years of specialized research into using ionic liquids to modify biomaterials as both a Stamps Scholar and a Trident Scholar. Outside the classroom, he was a member of the Varsity Offshore Sailing Team and was honored to serve as the team captain during his senior year. As a Marshall Scholar, he attended the University of York, where he expanded upon his undergraduate research to earn an M.Sc. in Chemistry (by Research) under the supervision of Dr. John Slattery. During his post-graduate studies, he also served as the managing editor for the SEA STATE Newsletter, leading a team of junior military officers. Following the completion of his degree, he began training with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) community.

Annie Richter

The 30th Marshall Scholar  - Class of 2019

Richter is from Hinsdale, Illinois. In her time at the Naval Academy, she studied Mechanical Engineering, played on the Women's Varsity Lacrosse team, was one of 29 midshipmen selected to be a Bowman Scholar, and served as the 2nd Battalion Academics Officer her 1/C year. Richter was named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll and Eastern College Conference President's Honor Roll for having a 4.0 GPA along with playing a Division I sport. As a Marshall Scholar, Richter earned her M.Sc. in Additive Manufacturing and Advanced Manufacturing from the University of Sheffield and an M.Phil. in Materials Science from the University of Cambridge. She now serves as a Submarine Officer.

Christopher Cantillo

The 29th Marshall Scholar  - Class of 2018

Cantillo is a native of Sarasota, Florida, and attended Pine View High School. Cantillo majored in Aerospace Engineering and earned a minor in Spanish, finishing with a 4.0 GPA. As a Trident Scholar, he researched transient wind gusts on ship air wakes. In his free time, Cantillo played the saxophone in Trident Brass, and sailed for the Varsity Offshore Sailing Team, serving as the team's captain during his senior season. He now serves as a Naval Aviator.

Andrea Howard

The 28th Marshall Scholar  - Class of 2015

Howard graduated with a 4.00 GPA as a double major in Political Science and Arabic, ranking among the top twenty midshipmen in her class. During her time at the Naval Academy, she served as the Commander of the Drum and Bugle Corps during its Centennial Year and was the recipient of the prestigious Class of 1979 Trident Scholar Prize. As a Marshall Scholar, she attended King's College London and the University of Oxford, earning an M.A. in Science & Security and an M.Sc. in Global Governance & Diplomacy, both with distinction. Commissioned as one of the first 100 women submarine officers in the Navy, Howard has built a distinguished career in the undersea community. She has served as a Division Officer, Navigator, and Operations Officer on multiple Virginia-class and Ohio-class submarines, earning several Battle "E" awards for operational excellence. Her career also includes a tour as a Research Fellow for the National Nuclear Security Administration, where she assisted in drafting the 2022 Nuclear Posture Review, and service as an Editorial Board Member for the Naval Institute. A published writer and podcaster on maritime security, she was named one of the Atlantic Council’s “Twenty-Five LGBTI Next Generation Leaders to Watch.” 

Katie Davidson

The 27th Marshall Scholar  - Class of 2013

Davidson grew up in Geneva, Florida, and graduated from the Naval Academy as the number one graduate in academic order of merit with a perfect 4.0 GPA in English honors. During her time as a midshipman, she competed on the Navy Women's Swim team, served as the Brigade Adjutant, and edited The LOG satire magazine. As a Marshall Scholar, she attended the University of Cambridge, where she completed an M.Phil. in Human Geography with a thesis analyzing Female Engagement Teams in Afghanistan. She then earned an M.Sc. from the University of Oxford, where she competed with the Oxford University Boat Club and authored a strategic crisis management framework for federal cybersecurity. Following her studies, Davidson served as a Surface Warfare Officer, stationed on the West Coast and in Japan. After transitioning from active duty, she worked as a corporate program manager in hypersonics and served as the Deputy Director for Non-Nuclear Capabilities Modernization at the National Nuclear Security Administration. A competitive elite rower and Olympic trialist, she has competed for both the US National Team trials and the Puerto Rican National Rowing Team, and currently serves as an editor for the Naval Institute and the Center for International Maritime Security.

Ronald Allen

The 26th Marshall Scholar  - Class of 2013

Allen hails from Seattle, Washington. He was an honors economics major at the Naval Academy, and was well known for his pursuits outside of the classroom. Allen played free safety for the Sprint Football Team all four years at USNA, and he studied the management of investments of disadvantaged groups for his Capstone research. Upon graduation, Allen went on to earn an M.A. in Public Policy at King's College in London.

Ian Cameron

The 25th Marshall Scholar  - Class of 2012

Hailing from Rochester, MN, Cameron majored in Arabic at the Naval Academy, graduating with a 3.96 GPA while serving as the President of the Class of 2012. He was a Critical Language Scholar in Jordan, a sprint football player, and a researcher in Morocco, where he won the first student research grant awarded by Al Akhawayn University. As a Marshall Scholar, he completed an M.Phil. in Modern Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Oxford. He then served for eight years as a Marine Corps Infantry and Reconnaissance Officer, earning a Bronze Star for directing over 400 combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. After completing an Executive M.B.A. at UC Berkeley, he transitioned to the private sector, serving as Vice President of Operations for a forestry robotics startup before launching his own landscape and real estate firms.

Michael Campbell

The 24th Marshall Scholar  - Class of 2010

Campbell graduated first in his class from the Naval Academy with an honors degree in Economics. A dual recipient of both the Marshall and Truman Scholarships, he served as the Director of the 50th Anniversary Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference and as an undergraduate assistant coach for the Varsity Men's Lacrosse Team. Under the Marshall Scholarship, he completed an M.A. and an M.Res. in War Studies from King's College London. Commissioned into active duty, he has built a sixteen-year career as a naval officer, which includes senior leadership roles at sea and a role as an Operations Officer on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon.

Kyle Checchi

The 23rd Marshall Scholar  - Class of 2009

Hailing from San Ramon, California, Checchi majored in Chemistry at the Naval Academy, graduating first in his class academically while volunteering at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Under the Marshall Scholarship, he earned an M.Sc. in International Health Policy from the London School of Economics and an M.Sc. in Evidence-Based Social Intervention from the University of Oxford. He went on to receive his Doctor of Medicine from Harvard Medical School before completing his surgical residency and a research fellowship at Scripps Health in San Diego. A career Navy physician, he now supports forward-deployed forces and military families.

Henry Donaghy

The 22nd Marshall Scholar  - Class of 2009

Reporting from Wallingford, Pennsylvania, Donaghy completed a double major in Physics and Mechanical Engineering at the Naval Academy. While on the Yard, he played bass in the USNA Trident Brass Jazz Band and ran eight marathons as a member of the marathon team. As a Marshall Scholar, he attended Imperial College London to earn an M.Sc. in Sustainable Energy Futures, followed by an M.Phil. in Engineering for Sustainable Development from the University of Cambridge. Upon returning to the fleet, he served as a Submarine Officer.

Kelly Zahalka

The 21st Marshall Scholar  - Class of 2009

Zahalka of Richmond, Virginia graduated from the Naval Academy with a B.Sc. in History and a minor in Chinese. While a Midshipman, Zahalka was a member of the Women's Varsity Swim Team and a two-time Academic All-American. Zahalka was the first woman in Naval Academy history to graduate from Navy Dive School, and earned her commission as a Marine Corps Officer in May of 2009. Zahalka went on to pursue a M.A. in Chinese Studies from the University of London.

Benjamin Zintak

The 20th Marshall Scholar  - Class of 2009

Hailing from Arlington Heights, Illinois, Zintak studied Systems Engineering with honors at the Naval Academy, where he was a member of Tau Beta Pi and served as the Brigade Executive Officer, second-in-command of the 4,000-member Brigade of Midshipmen. As a Marshall Scholar, he graduated with top marks and the Course Director's Prize from Cranfield University with an M.Sc. in Autonomous Vehicle Dynamics and Control. He subsequently earned an M.A. in Science and Security with merit from King's College London, focusing his defense research on nuclear counter-terrorism. He served as a Naval Aviator and worked as a safety officer with Training Wing 4. Transitioning to defense research, he joined the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), spearheading autonomous system simulation modeling and directing the FAA's ACAS Xr collision avoidance platform for rotorcraft and advanced air mobility.

Eric Gardner

The 19th Marshall Scholar  - Class of 2008

Sarah Horn

The 18th Marshall Scholar  - Class of 2008

Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Horn studied Political Science at the Naval Academy, graduating with distinction. While on the Yard, she maintained a rigorous schedule as a member of the Varsity Offshore Sailing Team and as a VADM James Stockdale Fellow in ethical leadership. As a Marshall Scholar, she earned an M.A. in Conflict, Security and Development with distinction from King's College London. She commissioned into the United States Marine Corps, building an eighteen-year career where she currently serves as a senior rotary-wing pilot and operational planner.

Matthew Linsley

The 17th Marshall Scholar  - Class of 2008

A native of East Palestine, Ohio, Linsley graduated first academically in his class at the Naval Academy as an honor history major with a Spanish minor. Under the Marshall Scholarship, he earned an M.A. in War and Society with distinction from the University of Exeter and an M.Phil. in Modern European History from Clare Hall, University of Cambridge. He completed Navy nuclear propulsion training with distinction before deploying as a Submarine Officer aboard the USS Oklahoma City out of Guam. He went on to serve as a Flag Aide in Japan and later returned to USNA as a Senior Instructor of History. After transitioning from active duty, he earned his J.D. from Yale Law School, where he served as Managing Editor for the Yale Journal of International Law. After clerking for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, he now practices corporate litigation.

John Kennedy

The 16th Marshall Scholar  - Class of 2007

Kennedy is a Bon Air, Virginia native and majored in American Politics and Law with a minor in Spanish. Kennedy participated in the Men's Varsity Swim Team all four years at the Naval Academy, and served as the Brigade Physical Missions Officer and a Company Commander in his 1/C year. He went on to pursue an M.Phil. in Social Anthropology from Oxford. Following his graduate education, Kennedy selected Explosive Ordnance Disposal and began training to become an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer.

Anne O'Donnell

The 15th Marshall Scholar  - Class of 2005

O'Donnell hails from Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, and was a part of the Naval Academy's first class of Information Technology majors. As a Midshipman, she completed an internship with the Department of Homeland Security's National Cyber Security Division and served as the Brigade Operations Officer. O'Donnell also excelled as an athlete, serving as the co-captain of the Women's Varsity Lacrosse Team. Upon commissioning, O'Donnell attended Royal Holloway and went on to earn a M.Sc. in Information Security.

Eric Twerdahl Jr

The 14th Marshall Scholar  - Class of 2004

Twerdahl was the first midshipman in Naval Academy history to complete a double major in Chemistry and English. While at USNA, he conducted specialized research with investigators at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in the Laboratory for Extraterrestrial Physics. As a Marshall Scholar, he completed two years of graduate studies at the University of Oxford before earning his Doctor of Medicine from Harvard Medical School. He completed his residency at Massachusetts General Hospital, followed by a clinical fellowship in vascular surgery. Twerdahl then served as a career Navy Surgeon, spending nearly seven years at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center while concurrently earning a degree from the Naval War College. After completing his military service, he transitioned to civilian medicine.

Benjamin Heineike

The 13th Marshall Scholar  - Class of 2002

Reporting from Lake Tahoe, California, Heineike graduated first in his class at the Naval Academy, majoring in Mathematics with a minor in French and completing a Trident Scholar project on biological morphogenesis. As a Marshall Scholar, he completed the Mathematical Tripos at the University of Cambridge and earned an M.Sc. in Applied and Computational Mathematics from the University of Oxford, modeling disease transmission. He then went to sea as a Surface Warfare Officer, serving as the Training Officer and acting Operations Officer aboard the USS Sampson (DDG 102), before returning to USNA to teach mathematics and advise the National Military Academy of Afghanistan. Transitioning to research, he completed a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics from UC San Francisco, studying cellular stress signaling. He is currently a leading academic in yeast genetics and cellular metabolism.

Timothy Strabbing

The 12th Marshall Scholar  - Class of 2001

Strabbing graduated from the Naval Academy in 2001 and completed an M.Sc. in Russian and Eastern European Studies at the University of Oxford as a Marshall Scholar. Commissioned into the Marine Corps, he served as an Infantry Officer with 3d Battalion, 1st Marines, deploying twice to the Anbar Province of Iraq during the height of the conflict. He returned to USNA to teach courses on irregular warfare and American foreign policy as a Political Science Instructor. Following his time in the fleet, he served as Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict (SOLIC) and was a DoD Liaison to the United States Mission to the United Nations. After serving as Executive Director for the Viola Foundation, Strabbing transitioned into healthcare chaplaincy. He earned a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Care from the Ecumenical Theological Seminary—writing his doctoral dissertation on healing from moral injury—and now serves as a full-time healthcare chaplain.

Jonathan Cerrito

The 11th Marshall Scholar  - Class of 2000

Cerrito graduated first in his class at the Naval Academy in both academics and military aptitude, completing a major in Systems Engineering alongside a minor in French while competing on the Varsity Offshore Sailing Team. As a Marshall Scholar, he attended the University of Cambridge, earning an M.Phil. in International Relations. He subsequently commissioned into active duty as a Navy SEAL before pursuing a career in corporate law and defense contracting. He earned his Juris Doctor from Georgetown Law and transitioned into the private sector, initially serving as the General Counsel for Berico Technologies. Admitted to the bar in Connecticut, Washington D.C., Maryland, and New York, he now manages his own legal practice.

Allyson Strachan

Class of 2016

Graduating in the top 5% of her class at the Naval Academy, Strachan majored in Systems Engineering, captained the Navy Women's Ice Hockey team, and developed low-cost, touchscreen-compatible 3D printed prosthetics for children. As a Mitchell Scholar, she attended Technological University Dublin, earning a master's degree in Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering while designing a Bluetooth-enabled therapeutic device for phantom limb pain. She then completed flight training and served for seven years as a Naval Aviator flying the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Upon transitioning from active duty, she completed a master's degree in Liberal Arts from St. John's College and worked as a defense program manager integrating unmanned fleet projects globally for Prescient Edge. She later attended the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth to earn her M.B.A. with a focus on the healthcare market.

Jonathan Poole

Class of 2013

Poole graduated from the Naval Academy with a degree in Applied Mathematics. As a Mitchell Scholar, he attended University College Cork, earning a Master of Business Studies in International Public Policy and Diplomacy. Upon returning to the fleet, he qualified as a Surface Warfare Officer aboard the USS Momsen (DDG 92), serving as Electrical Officer, Main Propulsion Officer, and Navigator. He later completed his active-duty service assigned to the Commander's Action Group for Military Sealift Command in Norfolk, Virginia. Transitioning to the public and private sectors, Poole worked as a business and investment capital manager for the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, as a public sector consultant for Qualtrics, and as the Chief Operations Officer for the Finance Authority of Maine.

Kyle Krieger

Class of 2010

A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Krieger graduated from the Naval Academy with a degree in Physics, where he competed on the Cycling Team and conducted specialized Trident Scholar research involving the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. As a Mitchell Scholar, he earned a master's degree in International Security and Conflict Studies from Dublin City University. Upon returning to the fleet, he completed Navy nuclear power training before serving aboard the fast-attack nuclear submarine USS Buffalo (SSN 715) out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, holding roles as Chemical and Radiological Assistant, Communications Officer, Quality Assurance Officer, and Assistant Engineer. Krieger then transitioned into the Foreign Area Officer community, initially serving as the International Programs and Engagements Officer for Commander Task Force 69 / Sixth Fleet in Naples, Italy and the Chief of the Office of Security Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Steven Sifuentes

Class of 2010

Steven Sifuentes is a Marine Corps Officer, having earned his commission from the Naval Academy in 2010. He then earned a Master's Degree in Military History and Strategic Studies from the National University of Ireland, Maynooth. As a Marine, Sifuentes is responsible for operating and performing preventive maintenance on both hardware and software systems involving communication services.  

Victoria Moore

Class of 2008

A native of Burke, Virginia, Moore graduated first in her class from the Naval Academy, earning a degree in Information Technology National Security Affairs with a minor in French, and making history as the first woman selected as USNA’s Color Company Commander. As a Mitchell Scholar, she attended Dublin City University, graduating with first-class honors with an M.A. in Development. She began her career as a Surface Warfare Officer, serving aboard the USS Green Bay (LPD 20) out of San Diego and the forward-deployed USS Mustin (DDG 89) in Yokosuka, Japan, before returning to USNA as a Political Science Instructor. In 2014, she transitioned into the Foreign Area Officer community with a concentration in Africa. Moore went on to serve as the Chief of the Office of Security Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in Maputo, Mozambique, and subsequently as the Security Force Assistance Lead for the Africa Engagement Group at Naval Forces Africa in Naples, Italy. A certified Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocate who speaks French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian, she currently serves as the Naval Attaché to the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria.

Allison Mabrey

Class of 2007

Mabrey graduated from the Naval Academy with a degree in Chemical and Physical Oceanography. As a Mitchell Scholar, she attended University College Dublin, earning a Master of Science in Meteorology with first-class honors while competing on the UCD Athletics Team. Following her studies, she entered the Navy's oceanography and meteorology community, serving as the Assistant Operations Officer at the Fleet Weather Center in Norfolk, Virginia, where she managed tropical cyclone and aviation forecasting. She then served as the Lead Operational Test Director for multi-service CBRN hazard modeling programs before shifting into high-level strategy roles, including working as a Requirements Manager in the Office of the Oceanographer of the Navy. After managing projects at the Naval Research Laboratory, she returned to the Pentagon as the Deputy Branch Head for Oceanography Capabilities. She currently serves as the Head of T&E Policy and Strategic Projects at the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR).

Maxx Thalmann

Class of 2026

Hailing from Torrance, CA, Maxx Thalmann majored in Quantitative Economics at USNA. He is passionate about international economics and development, with a focus on examining how China’s Belt and Road Initiative impacts Latin America through data-driven undergraduate research. He was a recipient of the Stamps Scholarship and the Summer International Service Leadership Scholarship, the latter allowing him to volunteer in Quito, Ecuador, mentoring 75 at-risk children. He also interned at the Development Finance Corporation to complement his academic focus. At the Academy, he distinguished himself in leadership as Regimental Commander and Chief of Staff for the Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference. Outside the classroom, he served as the Director of Development and Strategy for Row4Life, an organization dedicated to preventing ethnic conflict and nurturing exceptional leadership through rowing. He will graduate summa cum laude and attend Oxford University (Kellogg College) to pursue the MSt History - History of War.

Thomas Imhoff

Class of 2019

Imhoff hails from Twinsburg, Ohio, and was a Mechanical Engineering major at the Naval Academy. Imhoff participated in the Endurance Team while a Midshipman. He was also a Trident Scholar, studying the use of gridshell structures as shelters for areas in need of humanitarian aid and disaster relief. After graduation, Imhoff went to Cambridge to pursue an M.Phil. in Engineering with the Advanced Structures Group. Following his master's degree, he returned to the fleet to serve as a Surface Warfare Officer.

Rachel Wible

Class of 2017

Graduating first academically in her class of over a thousand midshipmen at the Naval Academy, Wible completed her degree in Mechanical Engineering with a perfect 4.0 GPA, while also qualifying for the Boston Marathon and completing internships researching railgun technology at the Naval Research Laboratory and nuclear blast modeling at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Awarded the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, she attended the University of Cambridge to complete an M.Phil. in Nuclear Energy, earning the Nuclear Institute Master's Distinguished Performance Prize for her thesis. She then entered the submarine community, where she served as Reactor Control Assistant, Assistant Engineer, and Quality Assurance Officer during a complex $400 million reactor refueling overhaul and hull life-extension process. After completing her service in the fleet and a corporate fellowship with Microsoft, Wible transitioned to the defense technology sector.

Zach Dannelly

Class of 2016

Hailing from Louisville, Kentucky, Dannelly is the ninth generation of his family to serve in the military and was part of the history-making first class of Cyber Operations majors to graduate from the Naval Academy, where he was also a Stamps Scholar. Awarded the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, he attended the Cambridge Judge Business School to earn an M.Phil. in Technology Strategy & Policy. Upon returning to the fleet, Dannelly served as a Cryptologic and Cyber Warfare Engineer, managing technical AI/ML and cyber portfolios for the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), the National Security Agency (NSA)—where he served as Chief Data Scientist and Deputy Chief Operations Officer for the Cybersecurity Collaboration Center—and Fleet Cyber Command (10th Fleet), where he was the Director of AI/ML Engineering. He also completed a Master of Science in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University. After transitioning to the Navy Reserve, Dannelly relocated to the United Kingdom, where he worked as an engineering venture partner for Crane Venture Partners.

Megan Hough

Class of 2016

Hough was a Nuclear Engineering major, a Bowman Scholar, and a member of the intercollegiate sailing team at the Naval Academy. Following graduation, she was commissioned as a Submarine Officer and pursued a degree in Nuclear Energy at the University of Cambridge.

Ryan McDonnell

Class of 2016

Graduating with distinction and finishing 22nd in his class of over a thousand midshipmen, McDonnell completed an honors degree in Systems Engineering at the Naval Academy, where he was recognized as a Bowman Scholar and inducted into the Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society. Awarded the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, he attended the University of Cambridge to earn an M.Phil. in Nuclear Energy, focusing his research on transport strategies for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Upon returning to the United States, he completed the Navy's nuclear power training pipeline served aboard the fast-attack submarine USS Hampton (SSN 767) out of San Diego, California. He later served as an Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Officer for the Undersea Warfighting Development Center (UWDC). Following his active-duty service, McDonnell earned an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, during which he interned with Blackstone's Energy Private Equity group and worked part-time as a data science consultant for Advanced Agrilytics. He currently works as a management consultant for Bain & Company in Denver, Colorado.

Margaret Gilroy

Class of 2014

Gilroy graduated from the Naval Academy with an honors degree in Systems Engineering and a minor in Spanish, serving as the President of the Marathon Team and a Bowman Scholar researching radiological sensors. Awarded the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, she attended the University of Cambridge to complete a Master's degree in Nuclear Engineering, where she also played on the volleyball team and received the Nuclear Institute Prize for Best Dissertation. Following her studies, she returned to the fleet as a Submarine Officer. She went on to serve as the Quality Assurance Officer, Extended Refit Period Coordinator, and Assistant Engineer aboard a guided-missile submarine homeported in Bangor, Washington, and forward-deployed in the Western Pacific. After transitioning from active-duty military service, Gilroy joined Sonalysts, Inc. as an Operations Analyst, managing project initiatives and training programs primarily for Department of Defense clients.

James Mackovjak

Class of 2014

Graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA from the Naval Academy, Mackovjak earned a degree in Systems Engineering while serving as the president of both Tau Beta Pi and the American Nuclear Society chapters, and competing on the varsity triathlon team. Awarded the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, he attended the University of Cambridge to complete an M.Phil. in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on clean energy technologies. He then pursued an intermediate graduate program at the University of California, Berkeley, earning a Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering within the Energy, Civil Infrastructure, and Climate program. Upon completing his advanced engineering studies, Mackovjak returned to the fleet to serve as a Naval Aviator.

Eric Washkewicz

Class of 2013

Washkewicz is from West Orange, New Jersey, and served as a Submarine Officer. While at the Naval Academy, he was a double major in Mechanical Engineering and Ocean Engineering, and was a four-year member of the Varsity Lightweight Rowing Team. After he graduated from USNA,Washkewicz earned an MPhil in Energy Technologies as a Gates Scholar at Cambridge University. After his time in Cambridge, he completed the Navy Nuclear Training pipeline in Charleston, South Carolina, and reported to the USS Hartford (SSN 768), a Los Angeles-class Fast Attack Submarine in Groton, Connecticut. Later, Washkewicz returned to USNA, where he served as a Physics Instructor, the Officer Representative for the Catholic Midshipman Club, and a volunteer Lightweight Rowing Coach.

Thomas Paul

Class of 2012

A native of Norfolk, Virginia, Paul graduated from the Naval Academy with an honors degree in Mathematics and a minor in Mandarin Chinese. While at USNA, he was a member of the Men's Varsity Lightweight Crew team and a Trident Scholar conducting original geometric research. Awarded the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, he attended the University of Cambridge, where he earned a Graduate Diploma and an M.Phil. in Economics while rowing for the Hughes Hall and University Boat Clubs. Paul returned to the fleet as a Surface Warfare Officer, serving initially aboard USS Chafee (DDG 90). He subsequently transitioned to the nuclear power pipeline, graduating first in his class at both Navy Nuclear Power School and the Nuclear Power Training Unit before serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). He concluded his active-duty career back at USNA as an Economics Instructor and scholarship mentor.

Kayla Barron

Class of 2010

Barron grew up in Richland, Washington, and graduated from the Naval Academy in 2010 with a degree in Systems Engineering. As a Midshipman, Barron ran cross-country and indoor/outdoor track, was an editor-at-large for The LOG magazine, and conducted neutron detection research as a Trident Scholar. As a Gates Scholar at the University of Cambridge, she modeled the fuel cycle for a next-generation, thorium-fueled nuclear reactor and received an MPhil in Nuclear Engineering. Following graduate school, Barron attended the Navy’s nuclear power and submarine officer training before being assigned to the USS Maine (SSBN 741), an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine homeported in Bangor, Washington. Barron completed three strategic deterrent patrols while serving as a division officer. She went on to serve as the Flag Aide to the Superintendent of USNA. During that tour, Barron was selected for NASA's 22nd Astronaut Class. She reported to Johnson Space Center in August 2017 to begin two years of training as an Astronaut Candidate. Upon completion, Barron was assigned technical duties in the Astronaut Office while she awaits a flight assignment.

Stephen DeVries

Class of 2009

DeVries graduated from the Naval Academy and commissioned as an officer in the Marine Corps. Awarded the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, he attended the University of Cambridge to earn an M.Phil. in Development Studies. Following five years of active-duty service as a Marine Officer, he transitioned to the healthcare field, first working as an Emergency Medical Technician in the Boston area and serving as a resident tutor at Harvard University. He then attended the Yale School of Medicine, earning his Doctor of Medicine degree. DeVries continued his military service by joining the Army National Guard Medical Corps. He completed his dual residency training at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital.

William Eucker

Class of 2008

Eucker graduated from the Naval Academy with a degree in Physics before commissioning into the Navy. Awarded the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, he attended the University of Cambridge, where he completed an M.Phil. in Technology Policy followed by a Ph.D. in Polar Studies/Geopolitics as a member of the Arctic Ocean Geopolitics Programme at the Scott Polar Research Institute. Upon returning to the fleet, Eucker served as a Submarine Officer and later utilized his geopolitical background as the speechwriter and strategic advisor to the Commander of Naval Forces Europe and Africa / Allied Joint Force Command Naples. Continuing his career in global defense strategy, he served as the Director of Navy Programs for the Office of Defense Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India.

Michael Dodson

Class of 2005

Dodson graduated from the Naval Academy with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, where he was recognized as a Trident Scholar and Bowman Scholar while earning two varsity letters on the Navy lightweight crew team. Awarded the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, he attended the University of Cambridge, earning a Diploma in Computer Science followed by an M.Phil. in Engineering. Following his initial graduate studies, Dodson transitioned to an engineering and operational career focused on industrial control systems, spending a decade designing, operating, and securing safety-critical architecture across various industrial and technology sectors. This extensive field experience ultimately led him back to the University of Cambridge, where he completed his Ph.D. in Computer Science. His doctoral research specialized in the resilience and cybersecurity of industrial control systems, focusing on protecting critical infrastructure and modeling defensive behaviors in adversarial digital environments.

Katie Folz

Class of 2004

Amy Jones

Class of 2002

Jeremiah Wathen

Class of 2002

Wathen graduated from the Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Physics before commissioning into the Navy. Selected as a Gates Cambridge Scholar, he attended the University of Cambridge, where he completed a Master of Science by research in physics. Upon returning to the fleet, he served as a Submarine Officer for eight years. Following his military service, Wathen transitioned to research science and advanced acoustics, joining the University Research Foundation and University Technical Services to specialize in fiber optics, ultra-fast pulsed lasers, and the simulation of nonlinear semiconductor waveguides. During this period, he completed a Doctor of Philosophy in experimental physics and integrated photonics from the University of Maryland. Wathen then moved into tech sector leadership.

Peter Brereton

Class of 2001

Brereton graduated from the Naval Academy with a degree in Physics, where he was a Trident Scholar and a lightweight rower. As an inaugural Gates Cambridge Scholar, he earned an M.A. in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge before serving on active duty as a Submarine Officer aboard the USS Michigan (SSGN 727) and USS Nevada (SSBN 733). He later returned to Cambridge to complete his Ph.D. in Physics, specializing in quantum photonics. Brereton has balanced a distinguished senior Navy Reserve career—including Commanding Officer and Reserve Commodore of Submarine Group Two and a deployment to East Africa as Director of Current Operations for CJTF-HOA—with advanced scientific research. After a postdoctoral fellowship at the Naval Research Laboratory, he served nearly a decade as a tenured Associate Professor of Physics at USNA. He then spent three years at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center as co-founder of the QuEST Laboratory, developing cold atom gravity sensors for planetary space flights. 

Chase Lee

Class of 2022

Hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada, Lee graduated with distinction and a perfect 4.0 GPA from the Naval Academy, earning a degree in Cyber Operations under the National Security Agency's Center of Academic Excellence program. A Harry S. Truman Scholar and winner of the 2021 MIT Policy Hackathon, his undergraduate research focused on cybersecurity training gaps and applying Ethereum blockchain technology to electronic voting. Upon commissioning, he began serving as a Communication Systems Warfare Officer in the Navy. Lee has since pursued advanced technical and policy education, earning a Master of Arts in Cyber Policy and Security from Stanford University—where he was a Defense Innovation Scholar—and a Master of Science in Information Technology from American Military University. He has also completed technical fellowships and internships with the Silicon Valley Defense Group, Google, and the USDA. He is currently pursuing a Master's in Mechanical Engineering alongside an AI Certificate at the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing.

Juliet O'Brien

Class of 2020

O'Brien graduated with distinction in the top 100 of her class from the Naval Academy, where she majored in Political Science and earned minors in French and Arabic. During her time as a midshipman, she completed a study abroad semester in Meknes, Morocco, and secured highly competitive internships with the Department of State's Political-Military Bureau and the United States Institute of Peace's North Africa team. She was also selected as a Fellow for the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress (CSPC). O'Brien went on to attend the University of Oxford, graduating with distinction in 2022 with an M.Phil. in Modern Middle Eastern Studies. While at Oxford, she rowed for St. Antony's Boat Club and served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Oxford Middle East Review. She also completed a counterterrorism internship with the Institute for the Study of War, tracking Islamic State activity in Iraq and Syria through open-source intelligence. Following her graduate studies, she returned to the fleet and served as a Surface Warfare Officer in the Navy. 

David Laszcz

Class of 2018

Laszcz first entered military service at age 17, enlisting in the Marine Corps as an infantry rifleman and deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After rising to the rank of Sergeant and working as a congressional staffer, he earned an appointment to the Naval Academy. At USNA, he graduated with an honors degree in Quantitative Economics, completed academic exchanges at the London School of Economics and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, and was selected as a Harry S. Truman Scholar. Following his commissioning as a Marine Corps Officer, Laszcz served as a Staff Economist at the White House Council of Economic Advisers. He later earned a Master’s degree in Public Policy with a focus on Business and Government Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School, where he was recognized as a Pat Tillman Scholar. After finishing his service on active duty, Laszcz joined McKinsey & Company as a Management Consultant, leading strategy, M&A, and transformation initiatives for public and private sector clients. He then shifted to General Innovation Capital Partners, a growth-equity firm specializing in dual-use technologies, aerospace, and advanced defense architecture.

Frederick Sutton

Class of 2017

Sutton graduated from the Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Economics. Deeply focused on Indo-Pacific affairs, he completed an intensive language institute at Suzhou University under the State Department’s Critical Language Scholarship, a semester abroad at Peking University directly enrolled in Mandarin-taught economics courses, and was subsequently selected as a Schwarzman Scholar. Through the program, he earned a Master of Global Affairs in International Studies from Tsinghua University in Beijing, writing his thesis on the geopolitical impact of the Quad alliance. Upon returning to the fleet, Sutton entered the Navy's nuclear power pipeline, graduating in the top 10% of his class before qualifying as a Submarine Officer. He went on to serve aboard a nuclear-powered submarine out of Guam and Honolulu, Hawaii, where he held cross-functional technical roles including Electrical Assistant, Assistant Weapons Officer, Antiterrorism Officer, and Quality Assurance Officer. He later transitioned to Yokosuka, Japan, serving as a Submarine Watch Officer for Commander, Submarine Group Seven (CSG-7), where he coordinated strategic operational schedules for over a dozen submarines across the Indo-Pacific and CENTCOM.

Andre Evans

Class of 2016

Hailing from the South Side of Chicago, Evans made history alongside his two brothers when they became the first set of African American triplets to be accepted into the Air Force, Naval, and Merchant Marine Academies. Evans graduated at the top of his class from the Naval Academy with a degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. During his time at Annapolis, he served as the 9th Black Plebe Summer Regimental Commander in USNA history, leading the training of nearly 1,200 incoming midshipmen and 250 upperclass detailers. His academic and leadership excellence earned him recognition as a 2015 Harry S. Truman Scholar, an MIT Lincoln Lab Fellow, and an Air Force Institute of Technology Fellow. Commissioning into the Navy as a Supply Officer, Evans has served in multiple high-stakes environments, including the Naval Nuclear Power School, the Pentagon, and at sea aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn (DDG 113) as the Disbursing, Postal, and Sales Officer. Beyond his military career, Evans uses his personal journey—overcoming gang involvement at age 12 and navigating the obstacles of his youth—as a platform for community activism.

Teresa Kennedy

Class of 2016

Kennedy graduated with distinction from the Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in English Literature. Recognized for her leadership and dedication to public service, she was selected as a 2015 Harry S. Truman Scholar. Following graduation, she began her career working with the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) before moving into defense acquisition as an associate consultant for Ventus Solutions. Her expertise in maritime systems led to a dual-year tenure directly with the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), where she served as the Assistant Program Manager and later the Deputy Principal Assistant Program Manager for the FFG-62 Guided Missile Frigate program. While advancing her career in defense consulting, Kennedy completed a MA in Security Studies from the Georgetown University Walsh School of Foreign Service. She then transitioned into civilian federal service with the Department of Homeland Security, working initially as a Policy Analyst before being appointed as a Senior Strategic Advisor for the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3), focusing on national targeted violence and terrorism prevention frameworks.

Clif Luber

Class of 2014

A native of Camdenton, Missouri, Luber graduated from the Naval Academy with a degree in Political Science. Recognized as a Harry S. Truman Scholar, he co-founded the Genocide Awareness Program and was an active participant in the Ethics Debate team and Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference. Following graduation, he worked at the White House in the Vice President’s National Security Affairs office, assisting with foreign policy and speechwriting. Entering active duty as a Navy Supply and Logistics Officer, Luber completed operational tours across multiple platforms—including the destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), the submarine USS Charlotte (SSN 766), and the hospital ship USNS Mercy—and deployed as a Special Operations Logistician with Naval Special Warfare Group Two. Ashore, he served on the Joint Staff J4 Logistics Directorate at the Pentagon and as a Military Social Aide to the President. Transitioning to the Navy Reserve, Luber expanded his career into defense technology, venture capital, and entrepreneurship. He founded and serves as the Managing Partner of Upward Capital, a real estate investment firm managing over $80 million in assets. Concurrently, he immersed himself in the tech sector, completing the Defense Ventures Fellowship with Refinery Ventures, serving as a Proposal and Capture Manager at Anduril Industries, and working as a Venture Fellow with Revolution's Rise of the Rest Seed Fund. Luber recently earned his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, where he co-chaired the Tech & National Security Conference. 

Phoebe Kotlikoff

Class of 2013

Kotlikoff graduated with distinction from the Naval Academy with a degree in Quantitative Economics, where she was a Trident Scholar. A Harry S. Truman Scholar and Rhodes finalist, she directly pursued a Master’s in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School as a Public Service Fellow. On active duty, she qualified as a Nuclear Submarine Officer, serving aboard the USS Ohio (SSGN 726) and supporting deployments on the USS Michigan (SSGN 727) and USS Mississippi (BB 41). She later served as a Submarine Warfare Tactics Instructor and as a Military Assistant in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, while completing fellowships with CSIS and CNAS. Following her naval service, Kotlikoff earned a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, clerked for the New York Court of Appeals, and worked as an Associate at Selendy Gay PLLC.

Stephen Honan

Class of 2011

Honan graduated as a Distinguished Graduate from the Naval Academy with an honors degree in Control Systems Engineering, ranking first in his major, and was selected as a Harry S. Truman Scholar. As a FitzGerald Scholar, he attended the University of Oxford, where he completed an MPhil in Geography and the Environment. He then served for over eleven years as a Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Officer, which included completing the Program for Emerging Leaders at the National Defense University’s Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction. Following his military service, Honan transitioned into technical defense and energy consulting. He served as President of Frontier Allies, worked as a civilian Systems Engineer for the Department of Defense, and joined BVG & Company Consulting as a Senior Consultant. He currently serves as a Director for ARXx Nuclear, LLC.

Sarah Grant

Class of 2011

Grant graduated with distinction from the Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in International Relations, where she served as President of the Midshipman Action Group and Brigade Operations Officer. Recognized as both a Harry S. Truman Scholar and a Fulbright Scholar, she completed immediate graduate studies at the University of Cambridge, earning an M.Phil. in International Relations. She later attended Harvard Law School, graduating cum laude with a Juris Doctor and serving as the Editor-in-Chief of the Harvard National Security Journal. Following her commissioning, Grant served on active duty as an Intelligence Officer in the Marine Corps, stationed primarily in Okinawa, Japan. After transitioning from active duty in 2016, she continued her military service as a reserve intelligence officer, which included assignments as a watch officer for the Joint Staff J-2 and supporting United States Marine Forces Reserve. Grant built a distinguished career in federal law and national security, serving as a judicial clerk for Judge Diane P. Wood on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and Judge Katherine Polk Failla on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. She then served as Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for National Security at the Department of Justice, and later as Counsel within the Office of General Counsel for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

Michael Campbell

Class of 2010

Campbell graduated first in his class from the Naval Academy with an honors degree in Economics. A rare dual recipient of both the Marshall and Truman Scholarships, he served as the Director of the 50th Anniversary Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference and as an undergraduate assistant coach for the Varsity Men's Lacrosse Team. Under the Marshall Scholarship, he completed an M.A. and an M.Res. in War Studies from King's College London. Commissioned into active duty, he has built a sixteen-year career as a naval officer, which includes senior leadership roles at sea and a role as an Operations Officer on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon.

John Campion

Class of 2010

Campion graduated 9th academically from the Naval Academy with an honors degree in Political Science. He then pursued a dual-degree program in international affairs, earning an MSc from Peking University and an MSc with distinction from the London School of Economics. On active duty, Campion served as a Nuclear Submarine Officer aboard the USS Missouri (SSN 780), holding multiple division officer roles before finishing his service as a Senior Instructor in USNA's Political Science Department. While on active duty, Campion earned an M.B.A. from the Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business, graduating with the highest GPA in his class. Following his military career, he worked as a Management Consultant for McKinsey & Company. He then transitioned to Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc., where he has held progressive leadership roles.

David Parker

Class of 2008

Eric Westland

Class of 2008

Paul Angelo

Class of 2006

Angelo graduated with honors from the Naval Academy with a B.S. in Political Science and a minor in Spanish, earning a Truman Scholarship. As a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, he completed an M.Phil. with distinction in Latin American Studies, focusing on security assistance in Central and South America. His active-duty naval service spanned operational tours as a Surface Warfare Officer deployed to the Pacific, a diplomatic liaison assignment at the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, a personnel exchange assignment with the British Royal Navy, and a faculty appointment teaching Spanish and politics at USNA. After transitioning from active duty, he earned a Ph.D. in Politics from University College London. He went on to serve as a Fellow for Latin America Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, Director of the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies, and Managing Director for Northern Latin America at a strategic advisory firm, while continuing his military service as a Reserve Foreign Area Officer.

Jacquelyn Bengfort

Class of 2006

Bengfort graduated with distinction from the Naval Academy as an English major, earning both the Rhodes and Truman Scholarships alongside top institutional prizes for literature and identity studies. While a midshipman, she was a highland dancer with the Pipes and Drums corps and interned with the Institute for Defense Analyses. As a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, she completed an M.Phil. in Social Anthropology, focusing her research on South Asian diaspora identities. She entered the naval service as a Surface Warfare Officer, qualifying in multiple high-stakes watchstanding and departmental leadership roles over six years at sea. After completing her service obligation, she earned a Master of Fine Arts in Poetry from the Iowa Writers' Workshop as a Rona Jaffe Graduate Fellow. She went on to work as a freelance writer, creative writing instructor, and published poet, and currently serves as a program marketing manager in the educational non-profit sector.

Elisabeth Gayer

Class of 2005

William Kelly

Class of 2005

Kelly graduated from the Naval Academy with a degree in Political Science and Government. Selected as both a Harry S. Truman Scholar and a Rhodes Scholar, he completed graduate studies at the Harvard Kennedy School and earned a Master’s degree in Global Governance and Diplomacy from the University of Oxford. On active duty, Kelly became a decorated F/A-18 Strike Fighter Pilot and Instructor Pilot, accumulating over 2,200 flight hours and 330 carrier arrested landings across combat deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria. He later served in Washington, D.C., as a Senior Advisor to the Chief of Staff at the National Security Council and as Special Advisor for Defense to the Vice President. After transitioning to the Navy Reserve, Kelly worked as a Strategic Consultant for McKinsey & Company, specializing in aerospace, defense, and autonomous systems, and concurrently served as a civilian Deputy Program Manager and Contract Adversary Pilot for RAVN Aerospace. His reserve assignments included serving as Chief of Staff for the Office of Naval Intelligence’s Farragut Technical Analysis Center and a mobilization as the active-duty Operations Department Head at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.

Johann Guzman

Class of 2003

Guzman graduated with distinction from the Naval Academy with a degree in Political Science and Spanish. Selected as a Harry S. Truman Scholar and a Rhodes Scholar semifinalist, he completed a Master of Public Policy in International Security Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School as an Albert Carnesale Fellow. Guzman began his naval career as a Fast Attack Nuclear Submarine Officer, completing deployments to the Western Pacific and North Atlantic while earning his Naval Nuclear Engineer certification. In 2011, Guzman laterally transferred to the Naval Intelligence community. Over the next decade, he completed multiple combat zone deployments, serving as an Operational Intelligence Officer and Aide-de-Camp in the Horn of Africa, Chief of the Joint Target Development Branch for Central Command during Operation Inherent Resolve, and Deputy Chief of Intelligence for the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. He later served as Deputy Chief of Operations for Joint Interagency Task Force West, which included a forward-deployed analytical assignment with the DEA in Beijing. In January 2023, Guzman began serving as the Naval Attaché to Panamá under the Department of State.

Thomas Mancinelli

Class of 2003

Mancinelli graduated from the Naval Academy, where he was selected as a Harry S. Truman Scholar. Commissioning into the Marine Corps, he deployed twice to Iraq's Anbar province as an Infantry Officer. After transitioning to civilian service, he earned a master's degree from Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service and held initial federal roles within the National Security Division of the Office of Management and Budget and under the Deputy Secretary of State. From 2012 to 2014, Mancinelli served as the Chief of Staff in the State Department's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs. He then spent several years as the National Security Advisor to Senator Chris Coons, directing legislative efforts on the Foreign Relations Committee and shaping major development finance, foreign assistance, and strategic competition policies. In April 2022, Mancinelli transitioned to the Pentagon, where he served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs, advising top defense leadership on relations with Congress.

Zachary Hudson

Class of 2001

Hudson graduated with honors from the Naval Academy as a Truman Scholar and Secretary of the Navy Distinguished Scholar. He completed immediate graduate education at Georgetown University, earning a Master of Public Policy with honors. He later earned a Juris Doctor from Yale Law School, where he served as Managing Editor of The Yale Law Journal. On active duty, Hudson served as an engineering officer aboard the nuclear-powered fast attack submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN 763). He directed the department responsible for the submarine's nuclear reactor and held vital tactical roles during critical national security deployments. His service earned him multiple military decorations, including the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. Following his military service, Hudson clerked for Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and then-D.C. Circuit Judge Brett Kavanaugh. He developed extensive expertise in corporate governance and litigation in private practice and as a technology company's general counsel.

Michael Walker

Class of 2018

Originally from College Station, Texas, Walker graduated first academically in his Naval Academy class with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. As a Trident Scholar, his advanced engine research earned him a Churchill Scholarship to the University of Cambridge, the first awarded to a USNA midshipman since 1968. He completed an M.Phil. in Fluid Mechanics at Cambridge before pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Princeton University as a Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellow. Commissioned as a submarine officer, Walker has served on active duty since May 2018, primarily based out of New London, Connecticut. His military career is distinguished by deep technical assignments, including fellowships with the Institute for Defense Analyses and multiple research tenures at Sandia National Laboratories and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Most recently, he served as a visiting researcher directing high-performance computing simulations for inertial confinement fusion and shock-driven experiments. Currently, Walker balances his ongoing active-duty submarine service with advanced computational fluid mechanics research at Princeton University, where he finishes his doctoral program in 2027. His specialized expertise spans high-performance computing, numerical algorithms, and parallel computing architectures applied to complex fluid systems.

Brian Cully

Class of 2017

Cully graduated with distinction from the Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, where he captained the Club Water Polo Team and researched helicopter aerodynamics as a Trident Scholar. Following graduation, he earned a Master of Science with distinction in Sustainable Energy Technologies from the University of Southampton as a Fulbright Scholar, focusing on energy analysis in the global shipping industry. He then completed his graduate-level nuclear power training in Charleston, South Carolina, graduating in the top 10% of his class. As a Submarine Officer, Cully deployed for more than 60 days underwater aboard the USS Connecticut (SSN 22), executing high-priority national security missions. He later joined the USS Boise (SSN 764) in Norfolk, Virginia, first serving as a division officer overseeing nuclear reactor operations and instrumentation during major maintenance overhauls. He was subsequently promoted to Operations and Navigation Department Head, where he directed 45 personnel and managed all navigation and communications systems for the $1.9 billion nuclear-powered warship. After completing his active-duty military service, Cully transitioned into the financial sector. He leverages his background in energy technologies to advise clients on clean technology, power, utilities, and mergers and acquisitions.

Christen Carpenter

Class of 2016

Carpenter graduated from the Naval Academy as a Distinguished Graduate with a 4.0 GPA in Systems Engineering, during which time she competed on the women's crew and marathon teams. Following graduation, she moved to the United Kingdom as a Fulbright Scholar to earn a Master of Science in Gender, Development, and Globalization from the London School of Economics, focusing her research on national conscription. She subsequently earned a MA with distinction in International Conflict Studies from King's College London, where she analyzed gender integration narratives within the Navy. Upon entering active fleet service, Carpenter was stationed in Rota, Spain, as a division officer aboard a guided-missile destroyer, directing critical weapons handling and maintenance evolutions across multiple warfare areas. She then transferred to San Diego, California, to serve as a Damage Control Assistant, leading 37 sailors and earning recognition as the top shiphandler in her advanced training course. Her tactical assignments then shifted to the Middle East, where she served in Manama, Bahrain, as a Maritime Country Engagement Officer and later as a Deputy Executive Assistant and Aide de Camp.

Drew Calcagno

Class of 2015

Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Calcagno graduated from the Naval Academy as a Chief of Naval Operations Distinguished Graduate with a degree in Economics, where he also ran varsity track and cross country. He then moved to the United Kingdom as the inaugural Fulbright Scholar at the SOAS University of London, conducting Ebola crisis research out of the U.S. Embassy in Liberia. He subsequently earned a Master of Science from the University of Oxford as a Rotary Scholar, focusing on defense and intelligence collaboration in the Horn of Africa while simultaneously working as a counterterrorism advisor for the State Department. Calcagno began his fleet service as a Surface Warfare Engineering Officer aboard a guided-missile destroyer deployed to the Black Sea. He then pivoted into defense technology, serving within the Office of the Secretary of Defense as a Technical Program Manager for Project Maven, where he managed computer vision deployments and co-founded the Naval Algorithms Development Group. He concluded his active military career assigned to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, serving as an artificial intelligence policy analyst and advisor under the Chief Technology Officer of the United States. Following his transition from active duty, Calcagno entered the commercial technology sector and spent five years at Google, where he served as Chief of Staff for GCS Americas and later as a Principal and Frontier AI Researcher within Google Research. He also pursued a Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Cambridge before intermitting his studies to launch a venture Twin Prime, a frontier AI company based in New York City building physical-world reasoning systems for national security applications. 

Samuel Oat-Judge

Class of 2014

Oat-Judge graduated with distinction from the Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in History, during which time he also completed an intensive Urdu language program in Lucknow, India, through a State Department Critical Language Scholarship. Immediately following graduation, he served as a Summer Fellow at the Center for Naval Analyses' Strategic Studies department. He then matriculated to the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom as a Fulbright Scholar, earning a MA with distinction in Applied Security Strategy. A career nuclear Surface Warfare Officer, Oat-Judge initially reported to the forward-deployed destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) in Rota, Spain, where he served as Assistant Communications Officer and later led the Combat Missiles Division as Strike Warfare Officer during multiple European patrols. He subsequently transitioned to the nuclear propulsion pipeline, serving as the Reactor Mechanical Division Officer aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Following a shore tour as a seamanship instructor at USNA, he returned to the fleet to serve as the Operations Officer aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85) in Everett, Washington.

Sarah Grant

Class of 2011

Grant graduated with distinction from the Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in International Relations, where she served as President of the Midshipman Action Group and Brigade Operations Officer. Recognized as both a Harry S. Truman Scholar and a Fulbright Scholar, she completed immediate graduate studies at the University of Cambridge, earning an M.Phil. in International Relations. She later attended Harvard Law School, graduating cum laude with a Juris Doctor and serving as the Editor-in-Chief of the Harvard National Security Journal. Following her commissioning, Grant served on active duty as an Intelligence Officer in the Marine Corps, stationed primarily in Okinawa, Japan. After transitioning from active duty in 2016, she continued her military service as a reserve intelligence officer, which included assignments as a watch officer for the Joint Staff J-2 and supporting United States Marine Forces Reserve. Grant built a distinguished career in federal law and national security, serving as a judicial clerk for Judge Diane P. Wood on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and Judge Katherine Polk Failla on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. She then served as Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for National Security at the Department of Justice, and later as Counsel within the Office of General Counsel for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

Megan Selbach-Allen

Class of 2009

Grant Gillary

Class of 2005

Gillary graduated with distinction from the Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Physics, finishing second in his overall order of merit and completing independent research as a Trident Scholar. Following graduation, he studied Modern Standard Arabic in Fez, Morocco, before moving to the United Kingdom as a Fulbright Scholar to earn a Master of Science in Mathematical Modeling and Scientific Computing from the University of Oxford. He later earned a Ph.D. in Computational Neuroscience from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine as a Hertz Fellow, and subsequently completed a Certificate of Excellence in Technology Strategy from the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business. Upon completing his initial post-graduate studies, Gillary commissioned into the United States Marine Corps as a ground intelligence and reconnaissance officer, finishing first academically in his Basic Officer Course. He deployed to Anbar Province, Iraq, as an Intelligence Advisor to the Iraqi military, and later served as the Intelligence Section Officer-in-Charge for the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion. He then served as a Reconnaissance Platoon Commander, leading combat patrols and deep reconnaissance missions behind enemy lines for over four months in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. After transitioning to the civilian sector, Gillary applied his computational expertise to defense technology, serving as a Senior Data Scientist and Technical SETA for DARPA AI/ML programs, and later as an AI Engineering Lead at Booz Allen Hamilton. He then pivoted to commercial technology as Chief Technology Officer for Amplio.ai, where he designed machine learning strategy for professional athletes and Department of Defense programs. 

Jeffrey McLean

Class of 2004

McLean is originally from Mequon, Wisconsin and graduated from the Naval Academy in 2004 with honors and distinction. Awarded both a Fulbright Scholarship and Harry S. Truman Scholarship, McLean pursued graduate education at Oxford University, England. At Oxford, McLean studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics and captained the Men’s Lacrosse team. After graduation, he served as a Naval Aviator, flying F/A-18 Super Hornets. Serving first with VFA-103, “The Jolly Rogers” and later as a Department Head with VFA-11, “The Red Rippers,” McLean completed three combat deployments on aircraft carriers, including 51 missions supporting Operation Enduring Freedom over Afghanistan. In 2012, McLean was selected to attend U.S. Naval Test Piot School and later served as a test pilot with VX-23 “The Salty Dogs” at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, MD. He served as project officer for the revolutionary X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System that made history as both the first unmanned aircraft to land on an aircraft carrier and the first to achieve autonomous aerial refueling. Also during his test tour, McLean dedicated his nights and weekends to earning an MBA from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. During his career, McLean published many articles on foreign policy and technology and served as Vice Chairman of the U.S. Naval Institute editorial board. A lifelong community servant, he was awarded the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal and Outstanding Young Wisconsinite award for his impact through community service and through humanitarian projects in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Kampala, Uganda. In 2017, McLean was selected for the White House Fellowship and served as a Senior Policy Advisor to the White House Office of American Innovation, where he personally drafted two Executive Orders that were signed by the President. He contributed to major policy achievements in prison reform, modernizing government technology systems, and workforce development.

John L. Bedker II

Class of 1973

Bedker graduated from the Naval Academy in 1973, where he majored in Analytical Management. He went on to the U.S. Navy Flight School, where he became a Navy pilot. His initial fleet assignment was to VP-8 in Brunswick, Maine, flying the P-3 Orion. He served in several positions in VP-8, including Mission Commander and Patrol Plane Commander of Combat Air Crew Four and the squadron Naval Aviation Training and Operational Procedures Standardization Officer (NATOPS). He went on to become the Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) Standardization and NATOPS Officer for all Naval Air Training.  After five years on Wall Street, Bedker started his own firm, the Loudoun Consulting Group (LCG), an international management consulting firm. For 21 years, he was LCG’s President and Chief Executive Officer, providing consultative support and advisory services for labor, management, and leadership. It was at this point, retiring from the Naval Reserve, TWA, and LCG, that Bedker wanted to live the motto of his 1973 class: non sibi. He wanted to give back, to pay forward the wonderful experiences his life had given him. He was accepted and went to England for his Ph.D. He received his Ph.D. in Management with subject matter expertise in Leadership and Organizational Behavior from Henley Business School. He applied for and was awarded a Fulbright. Bedker was the 2018–2019 U.S. Fulbright Scholar to Belarus. The previous ambassador was removed by then-President Trump, there was talk of the U.S. leaving the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and President Putin was engaged in efforts to reform and reshape the Soviet bloc (USSR). Fulbright was the opportunity to give his training, knowledge, and experience back to the people of Belarus. Bedker provided leadership to U.S. Embassy Minsk, consulted with a wide array of start-ups eager to do business with the West, and was the Fulbright Professor of Labor, Management, and Leadership at Belarus State Economic University (BSEU).

Ryan Chapman

Class of 2021

Chapman, a Holmen, Wisconsin native, was an Honors Quantitative Economics major while at the Naval Academy. During his time as a Midshipman, Chapman served as both the Brigade Commander of the fall semester and Regimental Commander of Plebe Summer. Additionally, Chapman ran marathons and ultramarathons for USNA, including the Boston Marathon and John F. Kennedy 50 Mile, where he was part of the Kennedy Cup winning team. At Oxford, Chapman went on to pursue an M.Phil. in Politics and Comparative Government.

Aidan Sabety-Mass

Class of 2020

Sabety-Mass graduated with distinction from the Naval Academy with an honors degree in Pure Mathematics, where he completed independent research in computational group theory as a Trident Scholar. Following his commissioning, he matriculated to the University of Oxford as a Fitzgerald Scholar to complete dual graduate degrees. He earned an MSc in Statistical Science followed by an MSc in Advanced Computer Science, graduating with distinction in machine learning and focusing his research on geometric distributive learning frameworks. Prior to his appointment to USNA, Sabety-Mass began his military tenure as an enlisted Nuclear Electronics Technician. As a commissioned nuclear submarine officer, he qualified as an Engineering Officer of the Watch and went on to serve as the Reactor Control Division Officer aboard the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Maine (SSBN 741). Following his time in the strategic submarine fleet, he transitioned into specialized unmanned and autonomous systems operations within the naval tech domain. Sabety-Mass remains on active duty in the Navy, leveraging his background in advanced computer science and mathematics to push boundaries in naval engineering. 

Elizabeth Loyal

Class of 2019

Originally from Conyers, Georgia, Loyal graduated with distinction and a 4.0 GPA from the Naval Academy, where she majored in Mathematics with Economics, sang in the Women's Glee Club, and served as Deputy Director of Operations for the 2018 Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference. As a FitzGerald Scholar, she completed immediate graduate studies at the University of Oxford. There, she earned an MSc in Economics for Development with distinction and a Master of Public Policy with merit from Trinity College. Upon completing her degrees at Oxford, Loyal reported to the Information Warfare Training Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia, to qualify as a naval intelligence officer. Her fleet assignments began at the Office of Naval Intelligence in Washington, D.C., where she served as a Watch Officer leading operational intelligence teams. She was subsequently assigned to Naval District Washington as a Data Analyst, utilizing her strong quantitative background to direct command-level project management initiatives. Loyal remains on active duty in the Navy. 

Nicholas Stovall-Kurtz

Class of 2018

Originally from Burlington, New Jersey, Stovall-Kurtz graduated from the Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, where he served as Vice President of the Society of American Military Engineers and was recognized as a Stamps Scholar and Bowman Scholar. Following his commissioning, he matriculated to the University of Oxford as a graduate researcher. At Oxford, he earned an MSc in Engineering Science with a focus on thermofluids, conducting and publishing advanced co-authored research on microfluidic circuits. Upon completing his graduate studies, Stovall-Kurtz entered the naval nuclear propulsion pipeline to qualify as a Submarine Officer. He reported to the fleet in April 2022, serving aboard the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740) out of Kings Bay, Georgia. During his operational tour, he oversaw critical tactical and engineering evolutions supporting the nation’s strategic deterrence mission and successfully qualified in submarine warfare. 

Charlotte Asdal

Class of 2017

Originally from Chester, New Jersey, Asdal graduated from the Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Chinese, where she competed on the Intercollegiate Pistol Team and served as Director of the 2017 Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference. Following her graduation, she completed intensive language immersion through the State Department's Critical Language Scholarship Program in Xi'an, China. As a FitzGerald Scholar, she then matriculated to the University of Oxford, where she earned an MSc in Contemporary Chinese Studies in 2018. Upon completing her graduate studies, Asdal reported to the fleet as a Surface Warfare Officer based out of Jacksonville, Florida. She served as the Gunnery Officer aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99), directing weapons systems operations and ordnance safety. She was subsequently assigned as the Navigator aboard the USS Lassen (DDG 82), where she managed safe ship transit and voyage planning through multiple deployments until she concluded her active-duty service in November 2022. Following her transition from active duty, Asdal pivoted into geopolitical consulting and strategic advisory roles. She initially served as the Director of Client Engagement for Garnaut Global, managing corporate relationships and advisory delivery. 

Ethan Hamilton

Class of 2016

Hamilton was an Austin, Texas native. He majored in Political Science and minored in French at the Naval Academy. During his 1st Class year, he studied the issue of forced migration as a part of his honors research. He earned his commission in the Marine Corps upon graduating in May of 2016.

Steven Hallgren

Class of 2015

Hallgren was a 2015 Naval Academy graduate from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. In his time on the Yard, he participated in the Intercollegiate Flight Team and was a Trident Scholar, studying the structures in the transitional odd-odd nucleus of Lu-160. After graduate school, Hallgren headed to Pensacola, Florida, to begin training as a Naval Aviator.

Justin Chock

Class of 2014

Reporting from Hawaii, Chock graduated in the top 10% of his Naval Academy class with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. Following his commissioning, he matriculated to the University of Oxford as a FitzGerald Scholar, where he earned an MPhil in International Relations and Affairs. He later continued his legal education at Yale Law School, pursuing a Juris Doctor as a Susman Godfrey Prize recipient and serving as an Articles Editor for the Yale Law Journal. Chock began his fleet career as a Surface Warfare Officer, serving as the Gunnery and Ordnance Officer aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93). He subsequently laterally transferred to the Information Warfare community, qualifying as a Naval Intelligence Officer before assignment as the Chief Military Liaison for the J2 Directorate for Intelligence at U.S. Forces Japan in Tokyo. He returned to Annapolis to spend over three years as a Master Instructor in the Political Science and Cyber Science departments, additionally serving as a Navy Fellow within the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Having transitioned from active duty to the civilian sector, Chock remains highly engaged in legal advocacy and policy analysis.

Kirsten Asdal

Class of 2013

Originally from Chester, New Jersey, Asdal graduated from the Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Chinese, which included study abroad programs in Beijing and Tianjin. Following her commissioning, she completed intensive language study in Suzhou, China, through a State Department Critical Language Scholarship. She then spent a year in Taipei as a Fulbright Fellow at National Chengchi University before matriculating to the University of Oxford as a FitzGerald Scholar, where she earned an MSc in Contemporary Chinese Studies. Asdal began her active-duty fleet career in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, serving as First Lieutenant aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112). She subsequently served as the Assistant Operations Officer for Destroyer Squadron 31, coordinating multinational surface warfare operations. Her active-duty career culminated in the Washington, D.C. area, where she worked as a Red Team Analyst for the Office of the Secretary of Defense and as a China/Taiwan Desk Strategic Planner for the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. Upon leaving active duty in 2021, Asdal transitioned to the Navy Reserve, serving with U.S. Fleet Cyber Command Headquarters and the Defense Intelligence Agency Headquarters until 2023.

Katherine Dransfield

Class of 2012

Dransfield double majored at the Naval Academy, earning degrees in English and French. She hails from Bridgewater, New Jersey and participated in the Women's Track and Field as a Midshipman. Upon graduating, Dransfield attended Oxford and received a M.Sc. in Social Science of the Internet. 

Stephen Honan

Class of 2011

Originally from Fairfax, Virginia, Honan graduated from the Naval Academy with an honors degree in Systems Engineering (Control Systems). During his time as a midshipman, he was active in the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, the Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference, and served as Captain of the Marathon Team. Recognized as a Harry S. Truman Scholar, he completed immediate graduate studies at the University of Oxford as a FitzGerald Scholar, earning an MPhil in Geography and the Environment with a research focus on technology adoption in emerging economies. Following his post-graduate studies, Honan entered operational military service and spent eleven years as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialist. Throughout his career, he bridged the gap between national security, technical engineering, and interagency crisis management. Beyond his core operational roles, he expanded his defense policy expertise by participating in the Program for Emerging Leaders at the National Defense University’s Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction. In addition to his military and public service, Honan is a veteran technology entrepreneur, having co-founded Mavrx Autonomy, a big-data and remote-sensing company that was later acquired by Taranis. He has remained highly active in the national security fellowship community, serving as a past President of the Truman Scholars Association and as a Senior Advisor to the Atlantic Council’s Counterterrorism Project.

Nathan Fleischaker

Class of 2003

Originally from Carlsbad, California, Fleischaker graduated from the Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Following his commissioning, he attended the University of Oxford as a graduate scholar, earning a MA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE). He later expanded his operational education by earning a Master of Operational Studies from the Marine Corps University's School of Advanced Warfighting, and subsequently completed a Ph.D. in Political Science and Government at Stanford University under the Commandant of the Marine Corps Strategist Program. Fleischaker built an extensive operational career as a Marine Corps infantry officer, completing multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and serving as a company commander and battalion operations officer with the 5th Marine Regiment. He transitioned into the cyber and strategic planning domain, serving as the Branch Chief for Future Plans at Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command and as Chief of Plans for Joint Force Headquarters–Cyber (Marines), where he directed the planning efforts to integrate cyber operations into global combatant command structures. He later served as a Strategic Analyst for the Marine Corps Office of Net Assessment and completed a command tour as the Inspector-Instructor for the 3d Battalion, 23d Marines. Following his operational command, Fleischaker was assigned to high-level strategic and policy roles in Washington, D.C. He served at the White House on the National Security Council as the Director for Oceania within the Asia directorate, helping shape regional security policies.

Kate Oliver

Class of 1999

Originally from Madison, New Jersey, Oliver graduated with distinction from the Naval Academy with an honors Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a minor in Spanish. She finished highest among all graduates entering the Surface Warfare community and received the Secretary of the Navy’s Distinguished Graduate Award. Selected as a FitzGerald Scholar, she completed immediate graduate studies at the University of Oxford, earning an MSc by Research in Computational and Applied Mathematics. She later earned her Doctor of Medicine from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. Following her lateral transfer to the Medical Corps, Oliver completed her residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the National Capital Consortium at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. She further specialized by completing a four-year fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology. In 2014, she reported to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth as a staff gynecologic oncologist, later advancing to serve as the Director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology. Oliver remains on active duty in the Navy and continues her clinical and administrative leadership. Her contributions to medical education and clinical research were recognized with the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology’s National Faculty Award. 

Ben Atkins

Class of 1992

Atkins graduated as the Class Valedictorian from the Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering. While a midshipman, he served as President of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and played on the rugby team, finishing his studies recognized as the top student in electrical engineering, systems engineering, and navigation. Selected as a FitzGerald Scholar, he matriculated to the University of Oxford, where he earned an M.A. in Politics and Economics with honors. Following his post-graduate studies, Atkins entered operational naval service, completing the Navy's nuclear propulsion training pipeline. He served on active duty aboard a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine and as a shift engineer overseeing reactor operations and instructional personnel at a Department of Energy nuclear training facility. During his fleet tenure, he was recognized as the Squadron Junior Officer of the Year and was awarded two Navy Commendation Medals and three Navy Achievement Medals. After completing his military service in 2000, Atkins transitioned into corporate finance and strategic consulting, starting as an Engagement Manager for McKinsey & Company. He went on to manage asset and liability risk at State Street Bank before spending a decade at GE, where he served as Vice President of GE Energy Financial Services and subsequently as Senior Vice President of GE Capital. A veteran energy sector executive, he has since directed multi-billion-dollar infrastructure developments and capital raises, serving as Chief Financial Officer for NextDecade and Bay-Houston Towing.

Leocadie Higginson

Class of 2020

Higginson, a New Orleans native, was an Honors Robotics and Control Engineering major while at the Naval Academy. She was a member of the Navy Women's Soccer team over her four years at USNA, finishing her soccer career with a Patriot League Championship and being named an Academic All-American. During her time as a Midshipman, she spent a month in Madagascar where she developed an interest in public policy. She went on to pursue this interest through the Master of Public Policy program at Oxford University. Following her graduate education, she reported to The Basic School (TBS) to start her path to becoming a pilot in the Marine Corps.

Walker French

Class of 2025

Originally from Northern California, French graduated top of class of over a thousand, earning a Bachelor of Science in Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences with honors. Prior to entering USNA, he attended the College of the Holy Cross, where he earned Dean’s List honors and served as the Executive Secretary for the Student Government Association. A prominent leader within USNA’s academic and institutional programs, French served as the Co-Chair for the Naval Academy Science & Engineering Conference (NASEC). He additionally served as the Director of Academics for the Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference (NAFAC) and led cross-disciplinary roundtable sessions for the Naval Academy Leadership Conference. He also served as President of the USNA Oceanography Club. His military command tenure at USNA included serving as the 28th Company First Sergeant and as the 28th Company Sea Trials Commander. An endurance athlete outside of the classroom, French is an Ironman triathlon finisher and a member of the USNA Croquet Team. Following his commissioning in May 2025, he entered active-duty service as a Naval Aviator.

Robertson Powers

Class of 2023

Logan Williams

Class of 2021

Originally from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Williams graduated from the Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Economics. During his time as a midshipman, he served as the 2nd Battalion Commander and was selected as a Trident Scholar, completing advanced undergraduate economics research. As a Turner Scholar, he pursued dual graduate degrees at the University of Oxford. He earned a Master of Public Policy with merit from the Blavatnik School of Government, where he hosted the Oxford Policy Pod, and subsequently graduated with distinction with an MSc in Public Policy Research, focusing his thesis on military decarbonization. During his time in the United Kingdom, Williams also worked as a research intern for the Climate Change & (In)Security Project, authoring policy frameworks on strategic foresight. Upon completing his graduate programs, he returned to the United States to complete the Navy's nuclear propulsion and submarine officer training pipeline in Charleston, South Carolina. Williams remains on active duty in the Navy, serving within the Pacific submarine fleet based in San Diego, California. He initially completed a deployment cycle aboard the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Greeneville (SSN 772) as the Reactor Control Assistant, where he directed the engineering division responsible for the electronic, control, and instrumentation components of the ship's nuclear propulsion plant.

Megan Hanson

Class of 2019

Originally from Woody Creek, Colorado, Hanson graduated as the Valedictorian (first in her class) from the Naval Academy, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with Economics. While at USNA, she competed on the Women's Varsity Crew Team, served as a moderator for the Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference, and conducted advanced research as a Trident Scholar. As a Turner Scholar, she attended the University of Oxford, earning an MSc in Higher Education from the Department of Education. Upon completing her graduate studies, Hanson entered the naval aviation pipeline at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. She completed intensive flight training across multiple primary and advanced platforms to officially earn her wings of gold as a designated Naval Aviator in December 2020.

Robert Bo Schrader

Class of 2021

A native of Saint Johns, Florida, Schrader earned his commission in the Marine Corps with the Naval Academy Class of 2021. While at USNA, he majored in History and participated in intramural athletics. He was a member of Officers’ Christian Fellowship and a Stamps Scholar. During his Firstie Year, he served as the 3rd Battalion Commander and 14th Company Training Officer. He went on to pursue an MPhil in Modern Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Cambridge. He attended The Basic School following his graduate studies. 

Gavin Roser

Class of 2019

Roser graduated from the Naval Academy with a degree in Aerospace and Astronautical Engineering in 2019. While at USNA, Roser served as the 1st Regiment Commander, overseeing more than 2,000 Midshipmen. He also interned with the Naval Reconnaissance Office to help develop Counter-Unmanned Aerial System capabilities. In 2017, he was awarded the Secretary of the Navy’s Innovation Scholar Award. Roser earned his commission as an Aviator, and he was a resident of Landrum, South Carolina.

Alexis Opferman

Class of 2017

Originally from Reno, Nevada, Opferman graduated from the Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering, later earning an MPhil in Politics and International Studies from the University of Cambridge. Upon entering fleet service as a Surface Warfare Officer, she was stationed forward-deployed in Yokosuka, Japan, aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG 62) as the Electronic Warfare Officer and Legal Officer. She subsequently reported to the Office of Naval Intelligence as an Intelligence Briefer to the Secretary of the Navy within the Chief of Naval Operations-Intelligence Plot (CNO-IP). Concurrently, she served a two-year tour as a White House Military Social Aide. Following seven years of active-duty service, Opferman transitioned to the private sector and earned her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. During her business studies, she completed internships with McKinsey & Company, Blackstone's Private Equity ESG team, and Chenmark.

Katherine MacVarish

Class of 2015

MacVarish was a 2015 graduate of the Naval Academy. While in Annapolis, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering and was awarded the Critical Language Scholarship for Turkish studies. At Cambridge University, MacVarish studied Social Anthropology and International Relations. Upon completing her studies, MacVarish headed to Quantico, Virginia, to start her Marine Corps career at The Basic School.

William McGee

Class of 2013

McGee graduated with distinction from the Naval Academy with an honors degree in History, winning multiple academic department prizes and rowing for four years on the Heavyweight Crew Team. He was awarded the Lieutenant Commander Erik Kristensen Trophy for outstanding leadership, academics, and athletics. As a Nolan Scholar, he attended the University of Cambridge, earning an MPhil in Modern European History with a thesis investigating the Transvaal labor crisis in South Africa. He later went on to attend Yale Law School, earning his Juris Doctor. McGee completed more than eight years of active-duty service as a Ground Intelligence Officer in the United States Marine Corps. After completing his initial tactical training pipeline at Quantico, Virginia, he reported to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He later returned to Quantico as an Operational Test Project Officer for the Marine Corps Intelligence Community. His active-duty service culminated in Washington, D.C., where he served as a Military Fellow for the Senate Budget Committee. Upon transitioning from active duty, McGee clerked for the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

John Miller

Class of 2011

Miller graduated from the Naval Academy with distinction in 2011 and entered the Surface Warfare community. While in Annapolis, Miller was selected by the Olmsted Foundation to study social anthropology and post-conflict development in Vietnam and Cambodia, earned the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship, participated in the Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference, and received the CDR Frank Graziano Memorial Award. At Cambridge University, Miller earned degrees in both Development Studies and Economic and Social History. Since then, he has been a Chief of Naval Operations Essay winner, earned the Surface Navy Association Literary Award, and received the Junior Officer Award for Excellence in Tactics.

Madeline Prince

Class of 2021

Originally from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, Prince graduated from the Naval Academy, where she completed a double major in Mechanical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering. Following her commissioning, she attended the University of Oxford as a graduate researcher before matriculating to Churchill College at the University of Cambridge. There, she earned an MPhil in Nuclear Energy, receiving the J.D. Lewins Prize for Best Project and Dissertation for her research on computational radiation reduction factors, which was supported by the United Kingdom's Atomic Weapons Establishment. Upon completing her graduate studies, Prince completed the Navy's intensive nuclear propulsion and submarine officer training pipeline in Charleston, South Carolina. She then reported to Bangor Base, Washington, for an operational division officer tour aboard the premier Seawolf-class fast attack submarine USS Jimmy Carter (SSN 23). During her two-year shipboard assignment, she qualified as an Engineering Officer of the Watch, directing critical reactor operations, plant heatups, and sea trials following a complex shipyard maintenance availability. Prince served in multiple leadership capacities within the submarine's engineering and operations departments, including assignments as the Reactor Control Assistant and the Chemistry & Radiological Assistant, where she led her division through a highly successful Post-Overhaul Reactor Safeguards Examination. She additionally served as the Ship's Diving Officer, coordinating high-tempo ballast evolutions for extended undersea research and development operations, and as the Assistant Engineer, where her departmental training coordination contributed to the squadron's Engineering Readiness award.

Julia Kalshoven

Class of 2020

Originally from Seabrook, Maryland, Kalshoven graduated from the Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Operations. Following her commissioning, she was selected as a Pownall Scholar to pursue advanced graduate studies at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. During her time at Cambridge, she earned an MPhil in Technology Policy from the Judge Business School and subsequently completed a second graduate degree, earning an MPhil in Biotechnology while serving as the student representative for her cohort. Upon completing her dual master's programs in late 2022, Kalshoven entered operational military service. She reported to the fleet as an officer within the Surface Warfare community. 

Cassandra Dooley

Class of 2019

Cassie Dooley is from Bayport, NY and majored in Mathematics with Economics while at the Naval Academy. After graduating, Dooley will pursue a Master of Philosophy is Management at the Cambridge Judge Business School. Once she earns this degree, Dooley will head to Panama City Beach, FL for Dive School in hopes of becoming an EOD officer.

Jennifer Hedgecoth

Class of 2018

Hedgecoth graduated with distinction from USNA with a B.S. in Nuclear Engineering, where she was a Stamps Scholar and Pownall Scholarship recipient. As a midshipman, she completed nuclear policy and engineering internships at the Pentagon, the Department of Homeland Security, and the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency. She matriculated at Churchill College, Cambridge, completing an M.Phil. in Nuclear Engineering with distinction and winning the Nuclear Institute Master's Distinguished Performance Prize. Hedgecoth subsequently deployed as a Submarine Officer aboard the USS Georgia (SSGN 729). 

Scott Davids

Class of 2017

Davids reported to the Naval Academy from Boulder, Colorado, and studied Mechanical Engineering as a Midshipman. After graduating, Davids went to Cambridge to earn a graduate degree in Engineering for Sustainable Development. Once he earned this degree, Davids headed to Pensacola, Florida, to begin his training as a Naval Aviator.

Paige Ward

Class of 2016

Ward graduated with distinction from the Naval Academy, earning a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering with a specialization in astronautics. Inducted into the Tau Beta Pi engineering honors society, she combined rigorous coursework with extensive aerospace and space systems research. Her undergraduate background included an internship at the NASA Glenn Research Center testing infrared radiometers for Ka-band propagation, space control software modeling at the MIT Lincoln Laboratory, and satellite attitude control system research at the Naval Postgraduate School. Outside of her engineering pursuits, she was a member of the USNA Women's Glee Club and served as a peer tutor at the Nimitz Writing Center. Highlighting her time at USNA, she also had the unique operational opportunity to travel to Antarctica. Following her commissioning, Ward was selected to pursue immediate graduate education, matriculating to the Cambridge Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge. She earned an MPhil in Technology Policy, focusing on an interdisciplinary curriculum crossing management, economics, and technological systems. Her culminating graduate research was a high-level consulting project for the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), focusing on the international relations applications of strategic technology transfers. Upon completing her graduate degree, Ward entered the Navy's tactical aviation pipeline. She reported to naval flight training in Pensacola, Florida, and subsequently transitioned to advanced flight operations based out of Meridian, Mississippi.

Eric Swanson

Class of 2015

Originally from Shoreview, Minnesota, Swanson graduated second in his class from the Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Physics. As a midshipman, he was selected as a Trident Scholar, conducting advanced undergraduate research on black hole entropy. Following his commissioning, he completed consecutive graduate degrees at the University of Cambridge, earning a Master of Advanced Study (Part III Mathematics) in Theoretical Physics with meritorious achievement and an MPhil in Nuclear Energy with distinction, where his dissertation focused on modeling neutron transport equations. Upon returning to the United States, Swanson completed the Navy's nuclear propulsion training pipeline before reporting to the Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS South Dakota (SSN 790) in Norfolk, Virginia. During his sea tour, he served as the Reactor Control Assistant for the ship's advanced S9G reactor plant and later as the Operational Safety Officer and Quality Assurance Officer, managing the submarine's strict SUBSAFE structural certification. He also served as the Assistant Weapons Officer, overseeing the tactical integration of a first-of-its-kind acoustic superiority package. His active-duty career culminated as a Planning Officer for Submarine Group 2. After separating from active duty in late 2023, Swanson transitioned into the commercial clean energy sector.

Kathleen Mullen

Class of 2014

Mullen of Goodfield, Illinois, studied Ocean Engineering at the Naval Academy. As a part of her senior capstone project, she had the opportunity to spend time with the Guatemalan Navy in Guatemala. Also in her 1st Class year, Mullen had the privilege of serving as the First Regiment Commander. In this role, she oversaw 3 Battalions, which is the equivalent of over 2,000 Midshipmen. After earning her commission in the Navy, Mullen went to the U.K. to begin her graduate degree at Cambridge.

Jordan Gruber

Class of 2013

Originally from Grove City, Pennsylvania, Gruber graduated from the Naval Academy as the top-ranked graduate in Academic Order of Merit, earning a 4.0 GPA as an Ocean Engineering major. Alongside his academic achievements, he was an accomplished collegiate athlete, competing in the javelin as a member of the Men's Varsity Track and Field team. Recognized for his leadership and academic excellence, he was selected for the Senior United Kingdom International Scholarship Program and awarded the Pownall Scholarship to support immediate post-graduate studies. Gruber matriculated to the University of Cambridge, where he attended the Cambridge Judge Business School. He successfully earned a Master of Philosophy in Energy Technology and Technology Policy, balancing his rigorous graduate coursework with athletic involvement in the university's volleyball and track and field clubs. Upon completing his graduate curriculum in the United Kingdom, Gruber entered operational military service as a Naval Aviator.

Christopher Duffy

Class of 2012

Duffy graduated from the Naval Academy in 2012 with a BSc in Electrical Engineering. After interning at the State Department Office of Ocean and Polar Affairs, he matriculated at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. There, he completed MPhil programs in Environmental Policy and Nuclear Energy. His wrote his first dissertation on the development and management of international property law schemes for res nullius and res communis goods; his second was on phase transformation modeling of thick section electron beam welds of SA508 steels. Later, in Washington state, he served on the USS Jimmy Carter (SSN 23) for three years then taught submarine tactics.

Other previous Pownall Scholarship recipients include: 

James Flautt (Class of '89)

Gregory Parker (Class of '90), 

Troy Dinkel (Class of '91), 

Matthew McLaughlin (Class of '92), Michael Hsu (Class of '93), Todd Bode (Class of '94), Reuben Brigety (Class of '95), Marguerite Morrison (Class of '96), Ann Luers (Class of '97), Nicholas Pinson (Class of '98), Jeremy Bruch (Class of '99), Kenneth Roman (Class of '00), David Campbell (Class of '01), George Messner (Class of '02), Donald Tennant (Class of '03), Si Kim (Class of '04), Michael Mabrey (Class of '05), David Haines (Class of '06), Dorothy Van Duyne (Class of '07), Leland Burns (Class of '08), Darby Driscoll (Class of '09), and William Murray (Class of \'10)

Chase Lee

Class of 2022

Hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada, Lee graduated with distinction and a perfect 4.0 GPA from the Naval Academy, earning a degree in Cyber Operations under the National Security Agency's Center of Academic Excellence program. A Harry S. Truman Scholar and winner of the 2021 MIT Policy Hackathon, his undergraduate research focused on cybersecurity training gaps and applying Ethereum blockchain technology to electronic voting. Upon commissioning, he began serving as a Communication Systems Warfare Officer in the Navy. Lee has since pursued advanced technical and policy education, earning a MA in Cyber Policy and Security from Stanford University—where he was a Defense Innovation Scholar—and a Master of Science in Information Technology from American Military University. He has also completed technical fellowships and internships with the Silicon Valley Defense Group, Google, and the USDA. He is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering alongside an AI Certificate at the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing.

William Jarrett

Class of 2022

Jarrett, from Gales Ferry, Connecticut graduated from the Naval Academy with a bachelor's degree in honors robotics and control engineering and a minor in Spanish. He was one of 13 Trident Scholars in the Class of 2022, conducting research in electro-optics and optical communication systems. Jarrett was a member of the Navy Men's Lightweight Crew team, competing in and winning the lightweight straight four at the 2021 IRA National Championships. In 2021, Jarrett had the opportunity to live abroad in Costa Rica as a culmination of his Spanish studies. Upon completing graduate school, he entered the submarine community.

Natalie Schieuer

Class of 2021

Schieuer, from Walton, Nebraska, pursued a master’s degree in materials science and engineering at Stanford School of Engineering. She graduated from the Naval Academy with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a Spanish minor. Schieuer’s research interests were sustainable materials and renewable energy technologies. As a Trident Scholar and Bowman Scholar, Schieuer researched applications of piezoelectric materials to wireless power transfer with the Army Research Laboratory. She studied in Spain at the Spanish Naval Academy, served as a Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference moderator, the 7th Company Commander, 2nd Battalion Operations Officer, Catholic Midshipman Club VP, and Regimental Honor and Character Officer. She participated on the USNA Endurance Team, competing in Washington DC’s Marine Corps Marathon, White Lake Half IronMan in North Carolina, and other events. With the USNA Gospel Choir, she performed in Miami, Maryland, Virginia, and at the Army-Navy football game.

Andrew Shu

Class of 2019

Originally from State College, Pennsylvania, Shu graduated from the Naval Academy with a double major in Mathematics and Chinese. As a midshipman, he served as the 5th Battalion Academics Officer, Director of Academics for the Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference, and competed as a jib trimmer on the Varsity Offshore Sailing Team. He completed select internships with the Johns Hopkins National Security Analysis Department, the Joint Chiefs of Staff Strategy, Plans, and Policy Directorate, and the National Reconnaissance Office. Selected as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar, he completed immediate graduate studies at Stanford University, earning a Master of Arts in International Policy with a specialization in Cyber Policy and Security. While at Stanford, Shu worked as a data analyst intern for TrustLab and as a research assistant for the Hoover Institution's China Global Sharp Power Project, where he utilized natural language processing and web scraping to analyze foreign influence campaigns. Upon completing his graduate curriculum, he entered active-duty service as a Maritime Cyber Warfare Officer, specializing in tactical cyberspace operations.

Sydney Frankenberg

Class of 2019 

Frankenberg, from Charlotte, North Carolina, graduated from the Naval Academy with a bachelor’s degree in Cyber Operations in 2019. While attending Stanford, she pursued a master’s degree in international policy at the Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences. Frankenberg’s research interests lay at the intersection of cybersecurity and public policy. She competed in national cyber policy competitions, hosted by organizations from the NSA at universities around the US. Frankenberg interned at Draper Laboratories in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and at the Office of Naval Intelligence. At USNA, she founded the Women in Cybersecurity and Computing Club, a platform to drive interest in the cybersecurity field, and was a member of the varsity women’s rowing team. During a semester abroad at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, she studied electrical engineering and international relations, and led part of the Republic of Korea’s initiative to support women in the Korean Armed Forces. As a squad leader, she was awarded Best in Regiment of 180 individuals, and she was a recipient of the Navy and Marine Corps Association Leadership Award.

David Liedtka

Class of 2018

Originally from Hamilton, New Jersey, Liedtka graduated as the Valedictorian (first in his class) from the Naval Academy, double-majoring in Computer Science and Information Technology. While at USNA, he completed internships with the National Security Agency and the Maui High Performance Computing Center, lettered all four years as a javelin thrower on the track and field team, and conducted advanced research as a Trident Scholar. Selected as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar, he completed immediate graduate studies at Stanford University, earning a Master of Science in Computer Science with dual specializations in Artificial Intelligence and Computer and Network Security. Following his graduate curriculum, Liedtka entered operational military service as a Cyber Warfare Engineer within the Navy’s Information Warfare Community. Stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland, he spent five years directing highly technical defense operations and system architectures. He initially served as a Capability Developer for the Cyber National Mission Force, engineering secure network tools. He later transitioned to the DeepBlueC AI/ML Team as a Machine Learning Developer, where he focused on the deployment of Large Language Models (LLMs) and advanced PyTorch deep learning frameworks to support automated maritime defense tracking. Upon separating from active-duty military service in late 2025, Liedtka transitioned into the commercial technology industry, focusing on artificial intelligence safety and deployment.

Viraj Patel

Class of 2019

Patel graduated from the Naval Academy with a degree in Mathematics in 2019. While at USNA, he maintained a perfect grade point average and held several leadership positions, proudly leading the 15th Company during his senior year. In his summers, Patel interned at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, served as a Plebe Summer detailer, and studied abroad in Hangzhou, China. Patel earned his commission and entered the Aviation community. He is from Thomasville, Georgia.

Yogaish Khastgir

Class of 2019

Khastgir graduated from the Naval Academy in 2019 with a degree in Computer Science and a minor in Spanish. In his tenure at USNA, Khastgir interned with Naval Intelligence, and at the Maui High Performance Computing Center (MHPCC) conducting research in machine learning and natural language processing. Khastgir traveled abroad to Cartagena, Colombia, to experience life at the Colombian Naval Academy, the Escuela Naval Almirante Padilla (ENAP), and to Beijing to study Computer Science under the direction of professors at Tsinghua University. Many of his favorite experiences at USNA were teaching and mentoring kids through the Midshipman Action Group’s Mids for Kids program, and programs organized through the USNA STEM center. Khastgir was a Stamps Scholar, and a resident of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Frederick Sutton

Class of 2017

Sutton graduated from the Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Economics. Deeply focused on Indo-Pacific affairs, he completed an intensive language institute at Suzhou University under the State Department’s Critical Language Scholarship, a semester abroad at Peking University directly enrolled in Mandarin-taught economics courses, and was subsequently selected as a Schwarzman Scholar. Through the program, he earned a Master of Global Affairs in International Studies from Tsinghua University in Beijing, writing his thesis on the geopolitical impact of the Quad alliance. Upon returning to the fleet, Sutton entered the Navy's nuclear power pipeline, graduating in the top 10% of his class before qualifying as a Submarine Officer. He went on to serve aboard a nuclear-powered submarine out of Guam and Honolulu, Hawaii, where he held cross-functional technical roles including Electrical Assistant, Assistant Weapons Officer, Antiterrorism Officer, and Quality Assurance Officer. He later transitioned to Yokosuka, Japan, serving as a Submarine Watch Officer for Commander, Submarine Group Seven (CSG-7), where he coordinated strategic operational schedules for over a dozen submarines across the Indo-Pacific and CENTCOM.

Ross Gilchriest

Class of 2017

Hailing from the small town of Silsbee, Texas, Gilchriest graduated from the Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in History. While at Annapolis, he was a four-year member of the Varsity Sprint Football team, participated in the Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference, and was involved with the Jewish Midshipman Club and The Profession publication. Selected as a Schwarzman Scholar, he completed immediate post-graduate studies at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, earning an MSc in Global Affairs. During his time in China, he served as President of the Schwarzman College Athletic Association and conducted extensive research analyzing the geopolitical and security implications of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Upon completing his graduate program, Gilchriest commissioned into the United States Marine Corps and graduated from The Basic School in June 2019. He subsequently completed the Infantry Officer Course and reported to the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines in Twentynine Palms, California. He served as an Infantry Platoon Commander and later as an 81mm Mortar Platoon Commander, finishing as the Distinguished Honor Graduate of the Army's Infantry Mortar Leaders Course at Fort Moore, Georgia. Following his fleet infantry tour, Gilchriest was assigned to the 3d Recruit Training Battalion in San Diego, California, where he served as a Series Commander and the Executive Officer for Lima Company. During this assignment, he additionally managed complex force-protection programs as the battalion's Antiterrorism Officer and Operations Security (OPSEC) Coordinator. After qualifying as the class Honor Graduate from the Light Armored Reconnaissance Leaders Course at the School of Infantry-West, he reported to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Joseph Dinkel

Class of 2016

Born and raised in Cambridge, England, before settling in West Lafayette, Indiana, Dinkel graduated from the Naval Academy at the top of his class with a B.S. in English and a minor in Chinese. He was selected as a Schwarzman Scholar, earning a Master of Global Affairs from Tsinghua University. He entered the Navy SEAL community, completing BUD/S and serving operationally across CENTCOM and INDOPACOM. Dinkel later served as a speechwriter for the Chief of Naval Operations and was selected as an Aspen Rising Leaders Fellow.

Daniel Glenn

Class of 2010

Daniel Glenn graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a degree in International Relations in 2010. He served as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in the Navy for 10 years. During his career, Glenn deployed twice in two major campaigns, leading teams called upon to defuse IEDs, dive in search of underwater explosives, and dismantle chemical weapons. He founded two philanthropic efforts in his spare time, earned a Masters degree in Government from the University of Maryland, and broke a Guinness World Record for running a mile in an 80-lb bomb suit in 8 minutes and 30 seconds. 

Christopher Panuski

Class of 2017

Panuski graduated from the Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Physics. As a midshipman, he engineered radar signal processing algorithms at the MIT Lincoln Laboratory, designed digital image reconstruction techniques at the Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center, and authored an undergraduate honors thesis focused on integrated photonic radio-frequency transducers. Sponsored by the Hertz Foundation, he completed immediate graduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, earning a PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science with a perfect 5.0/5.0 grade point average. His doctoral research at the MIT Quantum Photonics Laboratory culminated in a thesis on resonant spatial light modulation, which introduced new frameworks for high-speed optical beamforming and high-performance holography. Following the completion of his doctorate in May 2022, Panuski entered active-duty military service as a Cryptologic Warfare Officer (now Cyber Warfare Officer) in the Navy. Leveraging his expert background in electromagnetic physics and computational engineering, he directs highly specialized national security operations, cryptographic system implementations, and technical intelligence frameworks within the Information Warfare Community. In addition to his ongoing military service, he transitioned into the technological entrepreneurship space in March 2026 as the Founder of Holodyne, a specialized venture dedicated to advancing next-generation optical processing and spatial light modulation architectures. Outside of his primary engineering and defense responsibilities, he is a volunteer flight instructor who actively studies the structural mechanics of innovation and technical leadership within modern engineering organizations.

Previous Hertz Scholarship recipients include:

John Fericks (Class of '73)
Stephen Hopkins (Class of '78)
Richard Medley (Class of '80)
David Magnoni (Class of '85)
Karl Schultz (Class of '93)
Jonathan Siegler (Class of '94)
Bernard Meehan (Class of '95)
William Pritchett (Class of '96)
John Waterston (Class of '99)

Michael Lemonick

Class of 2017

Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Lemonick graduated with distinction from the Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, where he also competed as a member of the varsity soccer team. Following his commissioning, he attended the Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po Paris) as an Émile Boutmy International Scholar, earning a bilingual master's degree in International Public Management with concentrations in security economics and European defense. His academic pursuits also included recognition as a Kathryn Davis Fellow for Peace at the Middlebury College Language Schools, alongside coursework completed at the Sorbonne. Upon concluding his graduate studies, Lemonick reported to operational fleet service as a Surface Warfare Officer within the forward-deployed naval forces in Rota, Spain. Stationed onboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), he initially served as the ship's Legal Officer, Administrative Officer, and Assistant Operations Officer across two deployments. He was subsequently fleeted up to serve as the lead Navigator, safely directing the warship through three patrols totaling over 100,000 nautical miles across the Fifth and Sixth Fleet areas of responsibility—a tour that earned him the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. He then transitioned to shore duty as an Instructor of Naval Science at The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, where he mentored and trained over 50 cadets in advanced naval operations and navigation. Following his active-duty naval service, Lemonick transitioned to the medical profession while continuing his commitment to public service.

Nicholas Walden

Class of 2021

Originally from Southern California, Walden graduated with distinction from the Naval Academy, earning a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Operations with a minor in Spanish as a first-generation college student. During his time at Annapolis, he completed the National Security Agency's Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations certification and conducted research on the Department of Defense’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework. A dedicated athlete, he competed for four years on the Varsity Offshore Sailing Team, skippering multiple vessels, and served as a diversity peer educator advocating for multicultural inclusion within midshipman athletic programs. Following his commissioning, Walden transitioned to post-graduate studies in the United Kingdom. He first attended the University of Southampton, earning an MSc in International Security and Risk Management with distinction, where his research focused on governmental cybersecurity risk analysis frameworks. He then matriculated to the University of Cambridge, earning an MPhil in Technology Policy from the Judge Business School while serving as the foundation's inaugural Calcagno Scholar. Upon completing his advanced academic curriculum, Walden entered operational military service as a Cryptologic Warfare Officer (now Cyber Warfare Officer).

Noah Evans

Class of 2020

Evans graduated from the Naval Academy in 2020 with a B.S. in Oceanography (Honors) and cross-commissioned to the Air Force to attend pilot training and increase joint-spouse opportunities with his wife, who was also an Air Force officer. Following graduation from USNA, he pursued a MSc in Environmental Consultancy at the University of Southampton with focuses on sustainability and conservation. His Master's Dissertation involved assessing carbon budgets of Nepalese community coffee production for The Glacier Trust, an NGO focused on sustainable agriculture and climate change adaptation for remote Himalayan communities. In his free time, he enjoyed working as a freelance photojournalist.

Jake Bakkedahl

Class of 2019

Bakkedahl graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2019 with a B.S. in Ocean Engineering. While at USNA, he went on an LREC to China and served as the 19th Company Commander in the Fall of his 1/C year. At Southampton, he earned an MSc in Energy and Sutainability (Energy, Environment and Buildings), with distinction. He went on to Pensacola, Florida, to train to become a Flight Officer. Bakkedahl's dissertation, titled "The Design of a Technical System to Deliver a Carbon Neutral Development on a Brownfield Site in Southampton, UK," partned with HPW Architecture Ltd., an architectural company based in England. The project aimed to create a development that provided mixed-use functionality, on a brownfield site, and operated at a carbon neutral level on an annual basis. This dissertation focused heavily on the layout and implementation of various renewable energy technologies to create a technical system that met the energy demands of the building, while reducing its carbon footprint to virtually zero.

Justin Park

Class of 2018

Originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, Park graduated from the Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Operations and a minor in Japanese Studies. As a midshipman, he spent a semester abroad serving as a platoon commander at the Japanese National Defense Academy in Yokosuka, Japan. While at Annapolis, he discovered a critical security vulnerability within the internal USNA computer networks, a finding that earned him the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He furthered his technical expertise through research internships at the MIT Lincoln Laboratory and the National Security Agency before graduating with distinction from the University of Southampton, earning an MSc in Cyber Security with a dissertation focused on utilizing machine learning and power consumption metrics to detect ransomware in Internet-of-Things devices. Upon returning to the United States, Park transitioned from his cyber security background into the nuclear propulsion pipeline, qualifying as a Nuclear Submarine Officer. Stationed out of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, he completed tactical deployments aboard a fast-attack submarine, where he directed shipboard divisions as the Main Propulsion Assistant, Information Systems Security Manager, Quality Assurance Officer, and Navigator, managing nuclear plant safety and a crew of over 130 personnel. Following his initial sea tour, Park was selected as a U.S. Military Exchange Officer through the Personnel Exchange Program (PEP), reporting to the Royal Canadian Navy in Victoria, British Columbia. In this capacity, he executed Canadian submarine operations and strategic planning for Canada's first submarine deployment in seven years, heavily advancing Arctic operations and allied North American defense cooperation. During a specialized secondment with NATO Allied Maritime Command in Northwood, United Kingdom, he also led an international, multi-national team of personnel to direct Dynamic Mongoose, NATO's largest annual high-intensity anti-submarine warfare exercise. Following his successful operational exchange tour, Park transitioned to higher business education.