The National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska proudly announces the appointment of Grace Farson and Daniel Brinkman as research specialists for the institute's strategic deterrence and nuclear programs.
Both professionals distinguished themselves during NSRI's competitive internship program and now join the permanent NSRI team, advancing the Nation's strategic deterrence capabilities.
The transition from intern to full-time professional exemplifies NSRI's commitment to cultivating the next generation of national security leaders. Through its internship program focused on U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) priorities and experiences, emerging professionals gain real-world exposure to critical national security challenges while working alongside distinguished military leaders, academic researchers and defense policy experts.
"Watching Grace and Dan evolve from eager interns into confident national security professionals has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my role here," said Adam Carlstrom, NSRI associate executive director. "Their dedication to understanding the complex threats facing our Nation — from escalation dynamics to nuclear command and control to electromagnetic spectrum operations and more — demonstrates the impact of our internship program. These young professionals represent the future of our strategic deterrence enterprise, and their fresh perspectives combined with the mentorship they've received here will prove invaluable as we confront tomorrow's threats."
During her two NSRI internship experiences in 2021 and 2022, Farson, a graduate of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, helped design a limited nuclear conflict tabletop exercise and develop tri-polar deterrence models using mathematical game theory. She briefed Command leadership twice at USSTRATCOM headquarters, Offutt Air Force Base, Omaha, Nebraska, and presented her work at the Project on Nuclear Issues (PONI) Conference in Hawaii in February 2023.
Farson went on to earn her master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder, focusing on guidance, navigation and control of small uncrewed aircraft systems and system identification using Dynamic Mode Decomposition with control.
"I wanted to contribute to mission-driven research that directly supports national security decision-making," Farson said. "I am passionate about mathematics, engineering and national security, and NSRI provided the perfect environment to bridge my interests in national security policy with technical expertise. NSRI has been a formative part of my professional and academic development, and this position felt like the perfect opportunity to combine my technical engineering expertise with my interest in strategic deterrence and nuclear weapons."
Brinkman, a 2024 NSRI intern focused on joint electromagnetic spectrum operations (JEMSO), helped investigate concepts that could significantly reduce or eliminate unwanted effects of competing radio-frequency (RF) signals within a defined spectrum. Considering how crowded the RF environment is becoming with increasing demand from commercial wireless communications, "spectrum sharing" technologies like this are increasingly needed to improve both the clarity and reliability of the DOD’s priority signals.
Brinkman’s internship led to briefing senior military officers at USSTRATCOM headquarters and delivering a research paper. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Brinkman joined NSRI en route to a master’s degree.
"I took the job because I loved the organization and environment from my internship," he said. "The work is important, and having a background in computer science and specifically AI, I know I can help many departments within USSTRATCOM."
The NSRI strategic deterrence internship program, which will enter its ninth year in summer 2026, has proven to be a vital pipeline for developing talent within the national security enterprise. Interns engage in substantive work, including wargame and technology research and development, while benefiting from mentorship by active and retired flag officers and leading academic researchers. Recruitment for the 2026 experience will begin soon.
As full-time team members, Farson and Brinkman will continue their focus on USSTRATCOM priorities, contributing to NSRI's role as a University Affiliated Research Center designated by the U.S. Department of War — bridging academia, the DOW and the broader national security community.
"These appointments prove a fundamental truth: America's strategic advantage depends on bold minds and fresh perspectives,” Carlstrom said. “As our adversaries evolve, so must we — and that means investing in the next generation who will outthink and outmaneuver any threat to our Nation. I’m proud that NSRI has provided this career opportunity to Grace and Dan, but I also know that NSRI and the Nation are lucky to have them."
For more information about NSRI's student opportunities, visit nsri.nebraska.edu/inspiring-workforce.
