Newsletter
March 2025
Welcome to the March edition. As always, do reach out for any additional information about anything mentioned below.
Summer grant opportunity
Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains 2025 Research Grant
A new grant opportunity of up to $10,000 to support Cornell students and faculty conducting research at the intersection of technology, cybersecurity, and public policy. We invite proposals from graduate students and faculty working on semiconductors and semiconductor supply chains. Potential topics include cybersecurity vulnerabilities in global supply chains, semiconductor design and innovation, supply chain security and resilience, regulatory and policy challenges, and the geopolitics of semiconductor manufacturing and trade. Applications open on April 1st and are accepted on a rolling basis.
Research news
Public support for homeland counter-drone operations
Paul Lushenko co-authored a report with Dr. Jennifer Spindel of the University of New Hampshire, published by the institute, analysing how support for counter-drone operations in the continental US is shaped by the characteristics of the incursion, who authorised the response, and the effect on the safety of Americans. The findings were presented to the White House.
Artificial intelligence and public safety in Latin American democracies
Gustavo Flores-Macías co-authored a paper with Barbara Hernandez Cantu of Stanford University in Dialogo Politico, analysing the benefits and potential risks of using AI tools for policing.
Courses
Fall 2025: Disruptive and Emerging Technologies
Artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, robotics, and quantum technologies present novel, disruptive, and often unforeseen challenges for policymakers globally. This course provides an overview of critical technology policy challenges, with a focus on Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies and their impact on international peace and security.
A new eCornell course
Analysing and anticipating geopolitical risks is critical for professionals who operate multinational businesses, assess global investments, or work in foreign policy. This certificate programme, developed by James Patton Rogers, helps you hone your analysis skills and navigate the complex dynamics of the current international landscape.
New Junior Fellows
Varija Mehta
A sophomore in the College of Engineering majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Data Science. On campus she is an engineer for the Cornell Mars Rover project team, director of Women in Computing at Cornell, and a member of the Cornell Undergraduate Asia Business Society.
Aniket Martins
A Meinig Family Cornell National Scholar studying Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. On campus he serves as an Air Force ROTC Cadet, a Laidlaw Scholar, and as an engineer and safety lead for Cornell University Unmanned Air Systems. Beyond Cornell he is Education Team Commander for i5 Space.
Community updates
James Patton Rogers
Featured in Business Insider on how the variety of drones used in Ukraine protects domestic production from crippling attacks and hinders Russian counter-drone efforts.
Quoted in Reuters on how the automobile sector is likely to face negative consequences from supply chain disruption and rising vehicle prices.
Discussed how a full repeal of CHIPS Act funding would be difficult for President Trump given bipartisan support and national security implications.
His startup Gallox Semiconductor won Hello Tomorrow's award in Advanced Computing and Electronics.
Published an article for the Carnegie Endowment arguing that a European defence force is both within reach and necessary given uncertainty over US assistance.
Briefed the White House on his research into counter-drone operations in the continental US.
Spoke with KTVU about Trump's tariffs and the responses from Canada and Mexico.
Featured in an LA Times article explaining Mexico's reaction to US tariffs.
Discussed how 2025 will likely favour the Russians, given advances westward into Ukraine and Trump's affinity with Putin.
Spoke on a panel at the Cornell Alumni Leadership Conference on preparing Cornellians for lifelong career success.
Accepted an internship with the Manhattan District Attorney's Office for summer 2025, and has been accepted to Cornell Law School through the 3+3 Accelerated Pathway Scholar Program. We thank her for two years of excellent service.
James Patton Rogers
Quoted by Euromaidan Press on how Ukraine's production of a variety of drone models limits Russian counter-drone efforts.