TESTIMONIALS
Michelle McGee
USAFA Cadet
At the Center for Global Security Research (CGSR) at LLNL, I conducted an independent research project focused on Vietnam’s rising role in the South China Sea conflict and in the regional stability and growth of Southeast Asia. My project entailed my own independent research, a final paper, and an out-brief presentation to the CGSR at the conclusion of my internship. Throughout my five weeks at CGSR, I met with several subject matter experts on Asian regional defense and security from all over the Laboratory. These meetings enhanced my research by providing more information for an all-encompassing final paper and presentation, since the experts came from different backgrounds such as space, cyberspace, and intelligence careers. In fact, there were several regional security experts for Asia directly housed in CGSR who I was able to talk with at length in order to expand my understanding of my topic and the region at large.
When I first began my internship, regional security and stability of Asia and the South China Sea conflict were merely topics of interest for me. I took full advantage of the opportunity to conduct research as my primary objective for five weeks as an undergrad.
My project examined the topics from a military, economic, political, and diplomatic platform. This multilateral approach afforded me a more complete understanding of a very complex issue. As Southeast Asia continues to experience rapid economic, political, and social advances, their role and influence in the global world order continues to fluctuate. It is important for the United States and our allies to understand this early rather than later. Now is the time to recommit and realign with these rising countries in the Indo-Pacific.
I am confident that my internship experience will contribute to making me a better officer within the DoD. First and foremost, this research opportunity opened my eyes to the complexity of the world we live in today. As officers, we are expected to understand the global world order, and the United States’ role in ensuring peace and security prevail. Since my research hinged so much on Asian global and regional stability, rising economic powers, and international and diplomatic relations, I feel I am much more equipped to commission and lead in a highly volatile world.
All in all, I have only positive feedback for my internship experience. I grew as an individual in terms of my sense of accomplishment, accountability, and confidence. Most importantly, I found myself with a greater sense of belonging as a future officer of the United States Air Force.
Curtis Manore
USMA Cadet
During my time at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, I was able to pursue research on implementing renewable energy sources into LLNL’s microgrid to help reduce the usage of diesel generators during a crisis situation. I worked with a group of Lab professionals and researchers who guided me in the right direction and helped foster an excellent learning experience. In addition to my main project, I also toured many facilities at LLNL, such as the High Explosives Applications Facility, Site 300, and the Ground Penetrating Radar Facility. I attended events with the MARA program at LLNL, which hosted guest speakers that talked about military-related topics such as weapon suppressor development and traumatic brain injury, and also toured the Castle Air Museum through the MARA program. I was also able to visit power facilities at Las Positas College and a PG&E testing site to help gain insight into my research.
During the weekends, I toured the San Francisco Bay Area and went hiking through the Sequoia National Park and Sierra National Forest region with a group of other cadets, midshipmen, and civilian interns.
I had an amazing experience visiting California, and I was able to bond with other military and civilian students to form friendships and memories that I will never forget.
This experience at LLNL also introduced me to the research environment within my major. I learned how engineers have to think in order to solve complex problems, and I also feel more confident in knowing that electrical engineering fits my academic interests. In addition, I learned what the Department of Energy does to support the Department of Defense. Through Lab tours and lectures, I learned that the Department of Energy spends a lot of time and resources making sure that the military has the best equipment and weapons. As a future Army officer, I will utilize the technologies produced by the Department of Energy laboratories if the opportunity arises.
I am very grateful for the opportunity to intern at LLNL through the MARA program. It was a very rewarding experience, and I would encourage anyone interested in the program to apply.
