Graduate students from the University of Maryland's School of Public Policy briefed Defense Department policymakers at the Pentagon, May 2, 2025, on their capstone research findings related to some of the most pressing national defense priorities.
The students, part of the department's Academic Capstone Mentorship Initiative, worked with policymakers and practitioners to develop their projects and apply their skills to real-world policy issues, such as enhancing the nuclear triad, improving sustainment and managing threats from China.
Sean Parnell, assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs and senior advisor, addressed the students after reviewing their findings, which he said were completely on point.
The students' findings on China were particularly important, Parnell said, noting that he and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently visited Panama and nations in the Indo-Pacific region, where defense ministers discussed the growing threat from China.
Nations are "looking to America to help extricate themselves" from China's grasp, Parnell said. "This is the world that you face today. The fact that you're even looking to try to answer some of these questions bodes well for this country's future."
This year was the second iteration of the department's Academic Capstone Mentorship Initiative with the University of Maryland's School of Public Policy.
According to the university's website, the initiative aims to enhance the practical relevance of academic programs in public policy, foster stronger ties between educational institutions and government agencies, and prepare students for leadership roles in government and policymaking.