We would like to highlight one of our students and his accomplishments as an intern for the U.S. Department of State in the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation. James Murray is a senior in the School of Diplomacy and International Relations, where he is working on his B.S. in International Economics and International Relations. James is from Egg Harbor City, New Jersey, and he is involved in several organizations over the course of his time at Seton Hall, including the Diplomatic Envoy, where he has been a frequent writer and held an executive board position as the Opinion Section Editor, and The Global Current as a frequent on-air guest analyst. James is also the president and co-founder of the Zero Chains Initiative, a student-led organization dedicated to partnering with communities and international organizations to combat human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and child exploitation. In addition, he is pursuing a minor in Russian language, and his leadership has extended beyond the classroom, as evidenced by his former membership in the Buccino Leadership Institute and his current role as a contributing member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.
This past spring, James brought these experiences to Washington, D.C., where he worked in the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation at the Department of State. His responsibilities included a wide range of substantive policy work, from coordinating diplomatic cable communications on nuclear interdiction initiatives to drafting the 2025 Congressional Report on the transfer of sensitive technology. He also played a key role in organizing tours for the State Department intern cohort, escorting foreign delegations, conducting visa reviews with nonproliferation implications, and providing detailed briefings to senior leadership.
Reflecting on his time in Washington, James shared:
“Working for the U.S. Department of State was an unforgettable experience, allowing me to grow both professionally and as a person overall. During my time in Washington, I learned the significance of the intersection of American security and foreign policy, and I will forever appreciate my opportunity to make our country safer and more prosperous.”
Beyond his internship, James has pursued independent research on U.S. semiconductor reshoring, analyzing the economic and security implications of reducing reliance on China and Taiwan.
Looking ahead, James plans to attend graduate school, applying to programs in public policy, intelligence, and conflict negotiation in New Jersey, New York, and Washington, D.C. James hopes to build a career that allows him to combine his passions for foreign policy negotiations, national security with the applications of technology and natural resources. James Murray’s accomplishments are a testament to the dedication, leadership, and global perspective that define Seton Hall’s School of Diplomacy and International Relations.
