Philip Rush's IPSS Experience: Assignment with the Bonn International Center for Conversion

Recently Philip traveled to southern Sudan to perform field research focusing on a number of factors related to security and small arms possession.

"I think it was a resounding success! It was hot, the food was bearable and we suffered little in the way of medical problems. Not an easy task in Central and Western Equatorial Sudan. We trained 30 enumerators for five days and then concluded field research in four counties (Juba, Yei, Mundri and Maridi) for another five days.

"We focused on security perceptions, small arms possession, returnees, perceptions of returnees by stayees and baseline economic data. In all we received 523 respondents. Not bad...we are processing the data as we speak. BICC will be publishing the official report by the end of the month. 

"I've learned a great deal on so many different subjects and I wanted to thank you, the IPSS staff and everyone else who has contributed to making my time here at BICC a reality. It's been amazing so far!"

View more amazing photos from Philip's photo album.
Read about Philip's presentation on research findings regarding security concerns in the Juba Post.

The final report of the research that Philip participated in gathering in southern Sudan is now available on the Bonn International Center for Conversion (BICC) website: www.bicc.de/

"Once you mention you are from MIIS – you might get a bow from an Ambassador (it happened to me several times already - unbelievable). People really treat you differently when you mention the school.”

Elena is currently an International Professional Service Semester fellow from the Monterey Institute assigned to the United Nations. She describes her fellowship at the United Nations Headquarters, Office for Disarmament Affairs, Weapons of Mass Destruction Branch.

“The goal of the branch, as well as the office is to provide consulting and information assistance to the High Representative, Secretary General, and the international community in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation. In my two months of internship, I have written notes directly for the Secretary General, assisted at the 1540 Committee and Missile Panel, met with experts and ambassadors in the field, and contributed to the disarmament yearbook. In terms of career goals, I learn what it means to work in an international organization and be an expert. My IPSS experience at WMD helps me understand how decisions are made in the real world and where I want to be in the future.”

Elena also contributes to a blog about non-proliferation and arms control issues for the Saga Foundation.

IPSS Video with Elena Hushbeck

Fei Liu: IPSS Fellow working at the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna

IPSS Video with Fei Liu

Ben Hjelle: IPSS Fellow working at the International Labour Organization in Geneva 

IPSS Video with Ben Hjelle

Nurgul Khaidarova: IPSS Fellow working at the International Trade Centre in Geneva

IPSS Video with Nurgul Khaidarova

Mr Jerzy Zaleski, Senior Political Affairs Officer
United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs (UNODA)

IPSS Video with Mr. Jerzy Zaleski

Contact Information

Sabrina Atwater, Career and Special Programs Director
Carolyn Taylor, Special Programs Manager
Dave Moorer and Bridget Nuxoll, Program Coordinators
ipssinfo@miis.edu
(831) 647-6417