by Michael Peel | Oct 20, 2025 | Internship Experiences, Undergraduate Students
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.
by Michael Peel | Oct 14, 2025 | Graduate Students, Internship Experiences
This spring and summer, second-year graduate student Michael Peel brought his classroom learning into practice as an intern with the U.S. Department of Commerce. Pursuing a master’s degree in International Relations with specializations in Foreign Policy Analysis and International Economics & Development, Michael joined the Department’s Commercial Service Branch in Newark, New Jersey, where he gained firsthand experience supporting U.S. companies in the global marketplace.
Working closely with trade specialists, Michael stepped into his role during a particularly turbulent time in the federal government. As staff transitions left offices short-handed, he assisted trade specialists in taking on new responsibilities and ensuring that client companies continued to receive critical support. His daily responsibilities included conducting market research, pursuing foreign sales leads, drafting WIN statements for Congress, and helping U.S. businesses expand their operations overseas. Michael also worked extensively with financial services companies, an experience that helped him secure a government affairs internship in Washington, D.C., with MFA this coming fall and spring.
One of the highlights of Michael’s internship came early, when he was assigned a complex and high-stakes task. A U.S. company was entering into arbitration with a European partner over the supply of orthodontic equipment. The American side wanted proceedings in New Jersey, while the European side insisted on hosting them abroad. Michael was tasked with finding a suitable arbitration location in Europe that would satisfy both parties. To solve this, he researched European cities with strong orthodontic industries as well as reputations for reliable international arbitration. His analysis identified several cities where these factors aligned, and he presented his findings to his supervisors and both companies. The project not only showcased his research and problem-solving skills but also gave him a direct window into the complexities of international negotiation.
Reflecting on his experience, Michael emphasized how the internship allowed him to connect theory to practice, deepening his understanding of how international economics and trade policy shape real-world outcomes. He also noted how navigating such responsibilities in a transitional period at the Department sharpened his adaptability and resilience skills he knows will serve him well as he advances in his career.
After graduating in May, Michael plans to remain in Washington, D.C., to pursue opportunities in government affairs and international trade policy. His long-term career goals lie at the intersection of foreign policy, and economics, where he hopes to continue bridging the gap between public and private sector interests in the international arena. Michael credits the School of Diplomacy for preparing him to succeed in a professional environment that demands both critical thinking and practical skills.
by Michael Peel | Sep 29, 2025 | Internship Experiences, Undergraduate Students
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.
by Michael Peel | Sep 17, 2025 | Internship Experiences, Undergraduate Students
Anna Lulkin, a Spring 2025 School of Diplomacy and International Relations graduate, spent the Fall 2024 semester interning at the White House. She majored in international relations and minored in Italian, and worked in the Office of Administration’s Personnel Security Division.
With guidance from her professors, New York native Lulkin successfully navigated a rigorous interview process and secured a position in the Executive Office of the President. A dream come true, the experience aligned with her passion for national security and her desire to serve her country.
During the semester, she worked in a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility, a secure area where electronic devices are prohibited. Her responsibilities included supporting the personnel security team, reviewing and managing sensitive documentation, and assisting with clearance processes. She also helped maintain and prepare records related to security investigations and clearance statuses.
A highlight of her internship was the weekly speaker series organized by the White House Internship Program. These events gave her the chance to network with senior White House staff and policymakers, and even meet the President and Chief of Staff. Reflecting on the program, Lulkin shared, “Besides the day-to-day tasks, the White House Internship Program embraces everyone’s unique background. They care so much that we are all from different backgrounds and want to explore different fields within political science. It was a great experience.”
In addition to her internship, Lulkin earned credits through classes at the United Nations Foundation. She says her semester in Washington opened new doors and credits Seton Hall as pivotal to her success. “If I had not come here, I would not have been able to intern at the White House,” she said. “The coursework in the School of Diplomacy was so important because it gave me a background in security. I took classes in global health, bioterrorism, conflict and security, and international law that prepared me for this internship.”
After graduating in May, Lulkin plans to attend law school to further her career in public service. With previous experience in Congress and at the Suffolk County Courthouse, she has now worked in all three branches of government. “Each role gave me valuable, hands-on experience, but the White House provided an inside look at our nation’s government.”
Lulkin’s journey shows how Diplomacy students can thrive by seizing opportunities. Her dedication reflects the School’s high standards and the role of driven individuals in shaping the future of public service.
