Students

Michael Berkery, Graduate Student

Mike began working at the NCSP as a graduate student in May 2012. He is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree with a concentration in Homeland Security from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy, University at Albany. He holds a BA in European History, Magna cum Laude, from the University at Albany. Mike's undergraduate coursework focused in Middle Eastern Studies, including Arabic language skills. Mike's undergraduate thesis, "British Conceptions of the Ottoman 'Other': Sir Paul Rycaut and Orientalism in the Late Seventeenth Century," discuss English perceptions of the Ottoman Empire in the late seventeenth century and how these were connected to the traditional Western views of the Muslim world.

Latoya Clarke, Undergraduate Student

Latoya is an undergraduate student at the University of Albany, where she is pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Information Science. She has worked as an office assistant with the College of Computing & Information Science for the 2010-2011 semesters. In this capacity, she has facilitated workshops on technology advancements and undergraduate opportunities. She has also been responsible for directing the social media platform for the department's online resources. She currently fulfills the role of web services assistant for the University Marketing Services, where she works in the organization and formation of University at Albany websites.

Latoya has been involved in web and graphic design since 2004; she began using her web development skills to design freelance websites and branding material for multiple clients. She has also served as a youth mentor and tutor for the Salvation Army in Albany, NY.

Brandon Kennedy, Graduate Assistant

Brandon began working as a graduate assistant at the NCSP in August of 2011. He is a second-year MPA Candidate at the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, University at Albany, with a concentration of study in Homeland Security. His graduate studies include intelligence analysis, crime and policy, political violence, terrorism, strategic management, and preparedness.

Brandon received his B.A. in Criminal Justice, Summa cum Laude, from the University at Albany. His course work included criminal law, business law, business management, and international relations. In addition to working at the NCSP, Brandon serves as a teaching assistant at the University at Albany's School of Criminal Justice in the American Collegiate Moot Court Program.

At the NCSP, Brandon assisted with the completion the critical infrastructure protection project on the security of the electric and pipeline infrastructure in the Great Lakes region for the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (NYSDHSES). Additionally, Brandon has assisted with the revision and development of the Advanced Active Shooter Scenario: Tactics and Operations course (A2S2). In 2012, Brandon had a lead role in compiling the After Action Report on Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee for NYSDHSES.

Prior to joining the NCSP, Brandon served as intern for the Ulster County District Attorney's and Sheriff's Offices where he assisted in the preparation and litigation of felony jury trials. Additionally, Brandon interned with the United States Secret Service in the New York City Field Office. In his time there, he participated in protective events for the President, Vice President, and First Lady of the United States, as well as multiple foreign heads of state. In addition to assisting with investigations ranging from mortgage fraud, credit card fraud, identity theft, and counterfeiting, he participated in the Operation Safe Kids program in community schools.

Derek Morrison, Undergraduate Student

Derek began working at the NCSP in June 2012. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in World History and will be graduating December 2012. Derek is a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and has three overseas deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. His primary military occupational specialty was 0231 Intelligence Specialist and his secondary occupational specialty was combat marksmanship instructor. His military awards include: GWOT Expeditionary and Service Medals, Afghanistan and Iraq Campaign Medals, U.S.M.C Good Conduct, NATO-ISAF Afghanistan, and 3 Certificates of Commendation among others.

Derek’s research interests include counter-terrorism, cyber-security, Russian language, and intelligence operations. Derek is currently developing a Synthetic Cathinones Familiarization course and assisting in the execution of the Advanced Active Shooters: Tactics & Operations Course. He has also participated in the Tactical Emergency Casualty Care Course, Actionable Intelligence/Counter-Surveillance Workshops, and assisted in creating and executing a large scale functional exercise at the NYS Emergency Operations Center for the New York State Office of Emergency Management.

Ben O'Shaughnessy, Research Assistant

Ben began working at the NCSP as a research assistant in May 2012. He recently completed his undergraduate studies at SUNY Albany with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and History. He is currently pursuing graduate work in the Political Science Department at the Rockefeller College with a concentration in international relations. His research interests include conflict resolution, state building, political violence, insurgency, and the effect of information technology on globalization.

Before joining NCSP, Ben worked as an intern at the SUNY Center for International Development, assisting with research on high level development policy. He is also currently interning with Wikistrat, an online geostrategic consultancy firm. In addition, he serves in the U.S. Army Reserve as a Psychological Operations Specialist

Steve Sin, Senior Research Assistant

Steve is an SME specializing in intelligence support to counter-terrorism for the NCSP. He is currently a PhD student at the Department of Political Science, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, University at Albany (SUNY). His research interests are international security studies (military/state security, energy security, and proliferation), foreign policy, Northeast Asia international relations, political violence, and insurgency.

Prior to his PhD studies and joining the NCSP, Steve was an active duty U.S. Army officer. Of his 15-plus years of service in the Army, Steve served for over 10 years as an intelligence officer specializing in intelligence support to counter-terrorism. Steve also served as an instructor for the Military Intelligence Officer Basic Course, where he taught courses such as Intelligence Support to Counter-Terrorism, Intelligence Support to Counter-Insurgency Operations, and Intelligence Support to Peacekeepin /Peace Enforcement Operations.