Nassima Barrows Ms. Nassima Barrows is the Deputy Director for Nuclear Policy in NATO’s Defence Policy and Planning Division, where she helps shape the Alliance’s approach to nuclear deterrence policy, posture, planning and operations. Before joining NATO in 2021, she served as the Nuclear Security Attaché at the U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Vienna, leading U.S. engagement with the International Atomic Energy Agency on nuclear security. She previously held roles at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration, focusing on nuclear non-proliferation and arms control, nuclear material security and disposition, and counter nuclear smuggling. From 2022 to 2023, she participated in the French Nuclear and Strategy Network, contributing to transatlantic dialogue with next generation experts on French nuclear deterrence and strategic stability. She holds a Master’s degree from American University and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago. Cami Chavez Cami Chavez is an R&D Science and Engineering Manager at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) in Albuquerque, NM. She currently oversees the statutorily directed Annual Stockpile Assessment process at SNL, ensuring that the U.S. nuclear stockpile remains safe, secure, reliable, and effective without underground testing. Previously, Cami spearheaded the development, production, and sustainment of firing subsystems across multiple weapon programs. Her commitment to the deterrence mission has earned numerous honors, including the Defense Program Award of Excellence, highlighting her significant contributions to program success and operational efficiency. Her balance of technical expertise, leadership, and passion for innovation positions her as a key technical contributor in advancing the deterrence mission. Cami holds a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering and a Bachelor’s in Chemistry from the University of New Mexico. Astrid Chevreuil Astrid Chevreuil is a visiting fellow in the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, DC. Her research focuses on European security, transatlantic relations, French defense policy, and nuclear issues. A career diplomat with the French Foreign Service, she most recently served in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Department at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, focusing on nuclear issues related to NATO and Russia, as well as Nuclear Arms Control and Missile Defense. A graduate of Sciences Po Paris and the Ecole Nationale d’Administration, Astrid also studied for a year in the United States at the University of California, Los Angeles. Gillian Margaret Gayner Gillian Gayner is a Policy Analyst in the Office of Nonproliferation and Arms Control at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA). In this role, she represents DOE/NNSA in multilateral nonproliferation institutions and interagency nuclear policy processes and develops innovative programs to advance U.S. disarmament, nonproliferation, and peaceful nuclear technology interests. She also leads the planning and execution of engagements with South Asia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia on regional security, nuclear nonproliferation, and risk reduction issues. She was previously a fellow in the NNSA Graduate Fellow Program’s class of 2020-2021, and prior to joining NNSA she worked as a Research Associate in the South Asia Program at the Stimson Center. She holds an M.A. in Security Studies from Georgetown University and a B.A. in Political Science from Tulane University. Michael Emmons Dr Michael Emmons is an engineer and project manager at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), specializing in the modernization of the United States’ nuclear stockpile. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from UCLA, where his research focused on advanced sensor technologies for smart structures. At LLNL since 2012, Mike’s work has ranged from hands-on research roles developing miniature sensor technologies to leading large-scale tests proving the nuclear deterrent’s safety and reliability and is currently the Deputy Program Manager on a warhead life extension program. His expertise and interests lie in the insertion of new technologies that underpin confidence in the nuclear stockpile and advancing efforts in more efficiently modernizing the nuclear deterrent. Kirby Saxon Lett Kirby “Saxon” Lett is a former Engineer, now Program Manager, for Northrop Grumman working in ICBM system development and the next generation of command and control supporting multiple DoD customers. Saxon supports a research and development team primarily focusing on flight test and prototype system demonstrations by partnering with the National Labs and other Industry Partners to make hypersonic flight test more achievable. Prior to her current role, Saxon supported the operations and sustainment of missile defense systems and the production of solid rocket motors (SRM), specifically the D2 Trident SRM for the Navy. Saxon holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Engineering Management from Auburn University. Ruaraidh Maciver Ru Maciver is a Policy Adviser at the UK Ministry of Defence, working in the Defence Nuclear Organisation on future deterrence issues. He is presently pursuing a Master’s degree in War Studies at King’s College London, with a focus on nuclear deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. Prior to his current role, Ru previously worked as part of the UK’s AUKUS negotiating team, and in the Cabinet Office on the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union. Ru attended the University of Oxford for a Master’s in Late Antique & Byzantine Studies, and the University of St Andrews for his undergraduate degree in Ancient & Mediaeval History. Sara Beth Marchert Sara Beth Marchert is a Foreign Affairs Officer for the Office of Strategic Stability and Deterrence within the Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation at the U.S. Department of State. In this role, Sara Beth engages with allies & partners to provide them with confidence & reassurance in U.S. deterrence commitments and supports current & prospective nuclear arms control agreements. Prior to joining the Department of State, she worked at Sandia National Laboratories, the Nuclear Threat Initiative, and Argonne National Laboratory. Sara Beth holds B.A. degrees in Political Science and International Affairs from the University of Georgia, an M.A. in Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, and an M.A. in International Affairs from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations. Dakota Orr Dakota currently serves as a program analyst at U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), where she supports U.S.-UK engagements related to the sustainment and modernization of both nations’ sovereign sea-based nuclear deterrents. Prior to entering civil service, Dakota supported the Fleet Ballistic Missile program as the Lockheed Martin liaison to Navy SSP. Her experience at Lockheed Martin includes roles as a systems engineer focused on nuclear surety assessments and project engineer supporting site management and operations at the Eastern Range in Cape Canaveral, FL. Dakota holds a master’s degree in Security Studies from Georgetown University with a special focus on nuclear policy and transatlantic security, and a bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Jose Luiz Rodriguez J. Luis Rodriguez is an assistant professor of international security and law at George Mason University’s Schar School for Policy and Government. He studies the security preferences and strategies of the Global South, comparing how developing countries design norms of humanitarian intervention, nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament mechanisms, and regulations on emerging technologies. His publications include pieces in International Affairs, Third World Quarterly, The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, and The Washington Post. Dr. Rodriguez is an adjunct non-resident fellow at the Program on Nuclear Issues at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and an affiliate of Stanford University’s Center for International Security and Cooperation. He holds a Ph.D. and an M.A. in Political Science from Johns Hopkins University and a B.A. in International Relations from El Colegio de Mexico. Before his academic career, he served as a junior advisor to the Mexican Vice-Minister for Latin American Affairs. Kirk Shoemaker Kirk Shoemaker is an active-duty Army Major who serves as an Army Nuclear and Countering WMD Officer (FA52). Kirk is currently a counter-WMD Technologies Program Manager for the U.S. Department of Defense. Before becoming an FA52, Kirk was an Army Special Forces and Infantry Officer. Kirk strives to be a systems thinker who leverages a diverse set of knowledge, both technical and non-technical, to solve wicked problems through cross-functional teaming and collaboration. Kirk is pursuing a Doctorate of Defense and Strategic Studies (DDSS) from Missouri State University and previously earned a Master of Policy Management from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Arts in Intelligence Studies and Political Science, International Relations from Mercyhurst University. Kirk is grateful to have participated in the National Defense University’s Program for Emerging Leaders (NDU PEL) and is looking forward to building similar, strong relationships with his Mid-Career Cadre teammates. Mareena Robinson Snowden Dr. Mareena Robinson Snowden is a senior professional staff member in the National Security Analysis Department at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, where her research focuses on deterrence, arms control, and emerging technology issues. Prior to returning to the laboratory in 2024, Robinson Snowden served as a senior advisor to the Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security. In this role, she advised the Under Secretary on national security and foreign policy issues concerning arms control, deterrence, and stability. From 2018-2019, she served as a Stanton Nuclear Security Fellow with the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace where she focused her research on nuclear arms control verification, nonproliferation, and modernization. In 2017-2018, Robinson Snowden served as a National Nuclear Security Administration Graduate Fellow in the Office of Major Modernization Programs. Robinson Snowden holds a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in nuclear engineering, and a B.S. in physics from Florida A&M University. Jane Emma Stokien J. Emma Stokien is a policy advisor in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. Emma currently leads the NATO nuclear deterrence portfolio within Nuclear Deterrence and CWMD Policy and serves as chair of NATO’s Ad Hoc Working Group on nuclear issues. Emma has been a civil servant in OSD Policy for over six years, having previously served as the space strategy lead and as a special assistant to the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. Emma holds both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Security Studies from Georgetown University. Between her studies on the Hilltop, Emma served as an intelligence officer in the United States Marine Corps from 2012-2017, primarily stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Paul Warnke Paul Warnke recently served as a Foreign Affairs Officer at the U.S. Department of State, first in the Bureau of Arms Control, Stability, and Deterrence and then in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs. In these roles, he worked on U.S.-Russia arms control, NATO nuclear policy, and transatlantic security issues. Prior to his executive branch experience, Paul served as U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen’s nuclear policy aide. Paul has previously worked on nuclear policy issues at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, and the United Nation Office for Disarmament Affairs. He is an alum of the German Federal Ministry of Defense’s Manfred Wörner Seminar and the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ Nuclear Scholars Initiative. Paul received a Master’s degree from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey and a Bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College. Simone Williams Simone Williams is a defense national security professional with a focus on nuclear security and nonproliferation. She previously served as the Special Assistant to the Acting Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. In her role, she provided technical advice and guidance, managed congressional engagement and workforce initiatives, and supported a broad portfolio of acquisition and sustainment, including leading engagements to advance NATO’s multi-year modernization of the Alliance’s communication capabilities. Most recently, Ms. Williams was the Director of Programs for the Leadership Council for Women in National Security (LCWINS), where she worked to advance women’s representation in national security leadership. In this role, she led and managed the implementation of current and future programming for LCWINS. Previously, she was a program manager and research associate with the Project on Nuclear Issues (PONI) in the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Prior to her role at PONI, she worked with the Smart Women, Smart Power Initiative at CSIS. Before moving to DC, she worked as a project manager for a healthcare communication company in Chicago. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a master’s degree in international affairs from American University. She is a current CFR Term Member and one of the honorees on the 2022 CSIS-DINSN U.S. National Security and Foreign Affairs Leadership List. Katelyn Yeamans Katelyn is a Senior Scientific Advisor to Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Matters (DASD(NM)) and a member of the Nuclear Weapons Council (NWC) Staff where her portfolio informs policy development, crafts congressional communications, and delivers threat-based and risk-informed plans affecting the future of the nuclear weapons stockpile. She served in various positions in research & development for the Los Alamos National Laboratory and as a U.S. Navy civilian Reactor Shift Test Engineer for Ohio-class submarines. Ms. Yeamans holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from New Mexico Tech, an M.S. in structural engineering from UC San Diego, a Professional Engineering license, and a Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) certification; she begins her PhD in Systems Engineering from The George Washington University in September 2025. If you meet her in person, ask Katelyn about Jeff.