This past summer, sophomore Liam Knotek took his passion for international security to Washington, D.C., where he interned with The Heritage Foundation’s Allison Center for National Security. Though early in his academic journey, Liam quickly immersed himself in the fast-paced world of defense policy research and analysis.
Working under Robert Peters, a senior fellow and prominent voice in nuclear deterrence policy, Liam contributed to projects examining the future of America’s tactical nuclear arsenal. The experience built on his coursework in the School of Diplomacy, particularly an early research paper on nuclear deterrence that first sparked his interest in the subject, and helped him better understand the complex policy debates shaping U.S. national security strategy.
During his internship, Liam and his fellow interns also conducted research on topics such as AUKUS, a partnership between Australia, United Kingdom and the United States, and missile defense systems in Israel, Europe, and the Indo-Pacific. He co-authored two op-eds with his supervisors, gaining valuable experience in policy writing and sharpening his ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines. Through this work, he strengthened his analytical skills and developed a deeper appreciation for how think tanks influence the policy conversation in Washington.
Outside of his internship, Liam remains an active member of the Seton Hall community. He writes for the Diplomatic Envoy, where he continues to refine his writing and analysis of global issues, and he has represented the university in two Chinese speech competitions under the guidance of Professor Dongdong Chen. Beyond the classroom, Liam enjoys training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, finding that the discipline and focus it requires complement his academic pursuits.
Looking ahead, Liam hopes to pursue a career in the military and later in cybersecurity, fields that combine his interests in national security, technology, and global strategy. His experience at The Heritage Foundation gave him a firsthand look at the junction of research and policy and reaffirmed his commitment to serving and protecting U.S. interests at home and abroad.
The School of Diplomacy congratulates Liam on his accomplishments and thanks him for representing Seton Hall with excellence, intellectual curiosity, and drive.
