Dan is second year PhD student. He is a native of the state of Indiana. After graduating from Coker College with a degree in History, he went on to play professional basketball in Europe for eight years. After retiring from basketball Dan became a Social Studies teacher while pursuing a Master's Degree in International Studies from the University of South Carolina in 2014. Dan also worked as a cultural intelligence analyst and adviser in Afghanistan from 2009-2013. His major at GPIS is on the conduct of US Foreign Policy.

Mila was born and grew up in Kiev, Ukraine, a city of over five million, but with family ties to the rural agricultural area. Like most Ukrainians, her family is close, possesses a strong work ethic, and values a broad-based education.

Initially, Mila pursued a musical career, graduating in 1997 (with specialization in piano and choral singing). In 1988 she entered the general educational school and in 1995 continued her education at the National Humanitarian Lyceum (with specialization in languages and literature). With an ability to acquire proficiency in four languages, she planned to be an interpreter upon graduation. However, after becoming more practical about future, Mila chose financial management. Eventually, financial institutions are not only numbers, but also creative thinking.

After one year of student life in Germany and graduation from a Ukrainian university, Mila began her professional career in banking. Her ten-year banking career, evolved in international business environment, provided her with chances of using foreign languages and learning about international business practices.

After Mila's destiny brought her to the United States, she started working as a Corporate Accountant within the American environmental company. Later she was promoted to the position of a Chief Financial Officer.

Current Ukrainian events and love to the Homeland encouraged Mila to create a Foundation, which is devoted to strengthen cultural relations between The United States and Ukraine.

Combining years of experience, Ukrainian heritage, and new life in the United States, Mila decided to further her career in the international field. Her intended concentration: promotion of international cooperation through non-profit organizations, international tax laws and policies.

Ryan is a second year Ph.D student with concentrations on modeling and simulation and conflict and cooperation. He previously obtained his MA in GPIS (2014) and a BA in political science (2012). A former Navy cryptologist, Ryan also has extensive experience working with non-profit and volunteer organizations, currently with ForKids. Although Virginia born and bred, Ryan has seen much of the world, including taking up residence for a brief time in Beirut, Lebanon during the beginning of the Syrian unrest. Upon finishing his studies he hopes to return to Lebanon.

Originally born in Kabul, Afghanistan, Anita is in her final year of Master's level education in International Studies with a concentration International culture and International Economic Development. She received her undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Averett University and applies the lessons daily as a manager of a bank. Fluent in five languages (English, Farsi, Pashto, Urdu, and Hindi), Anita lived in Afghanistan and Pakistan before moving to the United States with her family in 2000. Since then she has gone on to be extremely active in the community while working for Special Olympics Virginia as a Director of Development. Ultimately, she would like to work with an International organization such as the UN, NATO or a government agency that will allow her to utilize her language skills and travel the world.