The Troy A. Cullen Emerging Technology Fellows Program

Emerging technology and international security

Academics and policymakers are grappling with the role that a number of emerging technologies will play in international security. Potentially disruptive emerging technologies include hypersonic missile technologies, advances in artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons systems, new tools for cyber-espionage and cyber-conflict, blockchain and distributed ledger technology, and space and anti-satellite weaponry. Each of these technologies also has a clear connection to nuclear security and the role that nuclear weapons might play in deterring or encouraging international conflict. Understanding these technologies and their likely effect on international security requires a multidisciplinary approach that combines technical expertise, knowledge of international and domestic politics, and the ability to learn from the history of technological advances.

The Troy A. Cullen Emerging Technology Fellows Program brings together a team of at least three student researchers across multiple disciplines. Instead of a traditional research assistant model, the summer fellows form an interdisciplinary team modeled on the “tiger teams” sometimes used in science and technology fields to bring multidisciplinary expertise to bear on a hard problem. Working with faculty mentors, the team attempts to answer a central research question: What does this technology mean for international security? This question leads naturally to others—How does this technology effect the risk of international conflict? Will the technology enhance or diminish strategic stability between countries, particularly nuclear-armed countries? Does this technology shift the balance of power between countries? Throughout the fellowship, the team’s research is guided both by their faculty mentors and outside experts chosen for their knowledge of the particular emerging technology being investigated.

Previous fellowship classes have examined quantum computing (summer 2022) and anti-satellite technology (summer 2023). The 2024 class of fellows will conduct research on artificial intelligence and nuclear weapons.

The program is directed by Jeff Kaplow, Associate Professor of Government at William & Mary and Director of NukeLab, and Ryan Musto, Director of Forums and Research Initiatives at William & Mary’s Global Research Institute.

This fellowship honors the memory of Troy Cullen, a NukeLab student and a participant in the inaugural class of Emerging Technology Fellows, who passed away in December 2022. Troy was passionate about combining his interests in history and international security to make a difference in the world, making a significant impact on those who knew and worked with him at William & Mary.

Application details

The Summer 2024 class of fellows has been selected, and we are not accepting additional applications at this time. Thank you for your interest in the program!

About NukeLab

NukeLab, launched at W&M’s Global Research Institute in Fall 2019, is an undergraduate research lab that applies cutting-edge social science theory and methods to pressing policy questions in nuclear security, proliferation, and deterrence. At NukeLab, students work closely with faculty on all aspects of the research process—building theory, collecting and analyzing data, and visualizing and sharing findings with the academic and policy communities.

NukeLab is directed by Jeff Kaplow, Associate Professor of Government at William & Mary.