Summer 2026 Application is open now! 

The Summer Undergraduate Fellowship in Nonproliferation Studies at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS), Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (MIIS) is a paid program. Fellows will work alongside CNS experts and contribute to ongoing research while also pursuing an independent research project designed to strengthen their analytical and writing skills. This program runs 2–3 months, typically from early June through late August. Fellows are responsible for securing their own housing in Monterey; however, assistance and guidance will be provided by the Internship Coordinator, Masako Toki, CNS Senior Project Manager (mtoki@middlebury.edu).

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Responsibilities:

• Contribute to CNS research projects in the areas of nonproliferation, disarmament, and arms control. 
• Conduct independent research on nonproliferation topics under the guidance of CNS experts. 
• Attend lectures and training sessions presented by CNS specialists to deepen understanding of nonproliferation issues. 
• Support data collection, analysis, and synthesis for research outputs as assigned. 
• Assist in preparing written materials such as reports, briefings, or presentations related to ongoing projects. 
• ​Assist CNS experts in promoting nonproliferation and disarmament issues through social media and online tools, with a focus on outreach to younger audiences.
  
• Interns will work in close collaboration with CNS staff members on different nonproliferation issues in areas including: 
  • Eurasia
  • East Asia
  • Chemical and Biological Weapons
  • International Organizations and Nonproliferation
  • Export Control and Nonproliferation
  • Middle East Nonproliferation

CNS is a pioneer in developing and applying “New Tools” in nonproliferation research and education. Our key techniques include open source information and computer modeling, namely the creative use of satellite imagery, geospatial data, 3-dimensional (3D) modeling, virtual reality environments, and social media platforms. CNS is also taking the lead in examining the nexus of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and WMD nonproliferation from several perspectives informed by a core group of staff with deep expertise on a variety of relevant issues. 

Eligibility:

• ​Must be enrolled full-time at an undergraduate institution. (For Middlebury College students: Must be enrolled full-time in Middlebury College)
• Must be eligible to work in the United States*.  
• ​Demonstrated interest in nonproliferation, disarmament, and arms control issues. 
• ​Interest in international peace and security and social justice topics. 
• ​Open to all majors; students studying geology or STEM fields (including natural, physical, or computer sciences) are encouraged to apply. 
• ​Preferred: Completion of sophomore year by the program start date. 
• ​Knowledge of international security topics is a plus. 
• ​Proficiency in a foreign language preferred. 

​*For more details, please contact the Internship coordinator. 

Physical Demands & Working Conditions: 

No specific requirements.  

How to Apply:

*Applicants for summer 2026 MUST UPLOAD ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS on the CNS summer undergraduate fellowship posting

APPLY HERE (for non-Middlebury College students)
APPLY HERE (for Middlebury College students)

The following documents are *required* for your application:

• Resume or CV
• Cover letter – including a statement of purpose (please be sure to clearly state that you are applying for the Summer Undergraduate Nonproliferation Fellowship, specify which CNS program you are most interested in, and your desired starting and ending dates for the internship)
• Official or unofficial transcript
• Short writing sample (2-3 pages)
• At least two references (one reference must be from your college professor)
  *Once your application progresses to the next stage, the hiring manager will reach out to your references via email to request their recommendation letters. Applicants also have the option to include recommendation letters at the time of submitting their application.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Masako Toki, CNS Undergraduate Fellowship Coordinator at mtoki@middlebury.edu.

Interested in exploring more? Check out the videos of our previous fellows!

For information on past participants and their projects, click here.

This year’s Summer Internship is funded by the Tom and Sarah Pattison Fund, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, CV Starr Foundation, and the Earle Family Fund for International Education.