Name: Alex Bollfrass
Home Institution: UC Berkeley
Major: Political Science

“It is difficult to imagine a better way to spend your summer than being an intern at the Center for Nonproliferation Studies. The intellectually curious will find the offering of lectures and seminars on historical and contemporary matters stimulating, while the more activism-minded will be satisfied by the feeling that their work can have an impact. The welcoming atmosphere at the Center is difficult to exaggerate, which is perhaps surprising given the varied projects the staff appears to be juggling at all times. Instead of being stressful, it’s exciting. My research has been so exciting, in fact, that I have on occasion dreamed I was inspecting a nuclear facility.

When not working, interns here have ample opportunity to explore Monterey’s offerings: long stretches of sand beaches, short distances to Big Sur and Santa Cruz, huge fish in the aquarium, and a charming small-town feel. Outdoor-types will be in heaven, and others will amuse themselves in the cafes, movie theater, and British pubs that are only a short walk from CNS.

I chose this particular nonproliferation internship because I had the impression that CNS was the most serious and competent. Interning here has confirmed that belief.”