United States Air Force Academy

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Department of Political Science

Scowcroft National Security Fellows

cadets around terrazzo

The Eisenhower Center for Space and Defense Studies and the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) are pleased to offer a range of fellowship opportunities. These National Security Fellows are leaders in their field, actively pursuing a research agenda in political science, international relations, national security, or civil-military relations. High performing Fellows may be invited to apply for faculty positions within USAFA’s Department of Political Science as a Distinguished Visiting Professor, Scowcroft Professor, Rokke-Simon Endowed Chair, or Space Fellow.

Cadet Fellows

Scowcroft National Security Cadet Fellows are exclusively selected from among the top USAFA rising seniors each year, and perform summer research at nationally-recognized academic research centers across the globe. Cadet Fellows will be sponsored and provided mentorship by either the INSS or Eisenhower Center. Past fellows have conducted research at Notre Dame’s International Security Center and UCSD’s Center for Peace and Security Studies.

  • Cadet Fellows perform 3-9 weeks of directed research at a national-security research center or attend a foreign policy summer seminar at various locations across the globe
  • Cadet fellows are expected to complete a paper or poster worthy of presentation to various high-level policymakers at the conclusion of their fellowship, and throughout the ensuing academic year. Previous Cadet Fellows have briefed the Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
  • Cadets may be registered for a one-credit hour PS499 to complete their research
  • Opportunity to act as Research Assistants for other Scowcroft Fellows
  • Will be highlighted on DFPS and USAFA social media, alumni channels, and websites
Fellows (In-Residence – stationed at USAFA)

National Security Fellows may be sponsored by either the Eisenhower Center or INSS, depending on the research focus of the fellow.

  • Fellows will usually consist of anyone with 3 to 8 years of professional experience and/or a non-terminal degree.
  • Fellowships traditionally run from 1 July to 30 June, with an option to extend for a second year (research agenda and funding permitting). Exceptions to this timeline may be made on a case-by-case basis as needs arise.
  • There is potential for publication by the Space and Defense Journal, the Journal of Character and Leadership Development, or as a stand-alone monograph published by the Eisenhower Center or INSS.
  • Will act as instructors for potential Cadet Fellow PS499s
  • Research assistants in the form of Cadet Fellows may be available, and projects that include Cadet Fellows as research assistants are highly desired, but not required.
  • Will be highlighted on DFPS and USAFA social media, alumni channels, and websites
Senior Fellows (In-Residence – stationed at USAFA)
  • Senior Fellows will usually consist of those with more than 6 years of experience and a terminal degree, or those without a terminal degree but more than 8 years of professional experience. Exceptions may be made for those with senior-level professional/policymaking experience.
  • Potential publication by the Space and Defense Journal, the Journal of Character and Leadership Development, or stand-alone monograph published by INSS or the Eisenhower Center.
  • Research assistants in the form of Cadet Fellows may be available, and projects that include Cadet Fellows as research assistants are highly desired, but not required.
  • Will be highlighted on DFPS and USAFA social media, alumni channels, and websites
Non-Resident Fellows (external to USAFA)
  • Can be either Senior Fellows or Fellows (same criteria as above)
  • Must be willing to provide virtual or in-person professional development discussions with faculty and students of USAFA, act as guest speakers/lecturers, etc. (no more than 2 virtual events per semester)
  • Traditionally last for 1 year, but can be re-applied for in subsequent years
  • Non-Resident Fellows will receive priority consideration for the annual Academy Assembly, where scholars will be offered an honorarium to present research as a panelist, participate in roundtable discussions, and network with other Non-Resident/Resident Fellows.
  • Each year, on the sidelines of Academy Assembly, Non-resident Fellows will be invited to an annual gathering with the Resident Fellows, as well as the speakers and panelists present for Assembly.
  • Will be highlighted on DFPS and USAFA social media, alumni channels, and websites
  • Non-Resident Fellows will be offered $1.5k and Non-Resident Senior Fellows will be offered $3k in funding to assist with research efforts, or travel to academic conferences (contingent on funding availability; half up front and half upon completion of research)
    • Note: Government employees will not be eligible for funding support above that required for travel to/from USAFA
  • Research assistants in the form of Cadet Fellows may be available
How to Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, though the bulk of selections will occur each summer. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis as needs arise. Please include the following in your application package:

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Cover letter (of not more than 1 page) detailing your proposed research interests for the year and how your research will complement DFPS Lines of Effort
Contact Information:

Dr. Shane Smith
Director, Institute for National Security Studies
michael.smith@afacademy.af.edu

Dr. Damon Coletta
Director, Eisenhower Center for Space and Defense Studies
damon.coletta@afacademy.af.edu