July 14, 2026
Masako Toki
2026 Summer Undergraduate Fellows with Dr. William Potter, CNS Director, and Masako Toki, Sr. Project Manager
The James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) welcomed ten outstanding undergraduate fellows to Monterey for its 2026 Summer Undergraduate Fellowship Program. Bringing together students from Middlebury College and partner institutions, including Soka University of America, the University of Georgia, and Dartmouth College, the program reflects CNS’s commitment to educating and mentoring the next generation of nonproliferation experts at a time of growing global nuclear risks and rapid technological change.
At the heart of the program is each fellow’s independent research project, conducted under the mentorship of CNS experts. Fellows pursue research on topics spanning nuclear nonproliferation, arms control, disarmament, emerging technologies, regional nonproliferation challenges, and international security, while strengthening the research, analytical, writing, technical, and policy skills essential for future careers in academia, policy, and public service.
The program also benefits from the diverse academic backgrounds and perspectives represented within the cohort. Fellows bring a range of experiences and interests to their work, reflecting CNS’s belief that addressing complex global security challenges requires diverse approaches and expertise.
Beyond their individual research projects, fellows participate in lectures, workshops, and discussions with leading scholars and practitioners from across the nonproliferation community. These experiences provide students with valuable insight into both the policy and technical dimensions of international security while helping them build professional networks within the field.
Outside of their research and professional activities, fellows also have the opportunity to experience the beauty of Monterey and California’s Central Coast, while building friendships and connections that often extend beyond the summer program itself.
The CNS Summer Undergraduate Fellowship Program remains one of the few opportunities worldwide for undergraduate students to receive intensive, hands-on training in nonproliferation and disarmament studies. By investing in young scholars from diverse academic and personal backgrounds, CNS continues to strengthen the pipeline of future leaders dedicated to reducing nuclear dangers and promoting international security.
Fellows experienced sailing on Monterey Bay thanks to Jean du Preez, CNS Director of Education and Training. Photo credit: Dr. Philipp Bleek.
The 2026 Summer Undergraduate Fellowship Program is generously supported by the Tom and Sarah Pattison Fund, the Middlebury College Office of the Provost, and Soka University of America.
For each fellow’s profile and research interests, please visit the 2026 Summer Fellows page. For additional information about the program, including previous cohorts and program activities, please visit the Summer Undergraduate Fellowship Program website.
Please also watch the introductory videos to meet each of the 2026 Summer Undergraduate Fellows and learn more about their backgrounds and research interests.
