Peter Bennett is interning with the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies during Summer 2023. He is a graduate student pursuing an M.A. in Asian Studies at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. He is interested in Japanese politics and Russo-Japanese relations. He holds a B.A. in History from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and an A.A. in Liberal Education from Normandale Community College.

Rita Mae Keller is interning with the Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs during Summer 2023. She is an undergraduate student pursuing a B.A. in Economics at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. She is interested in economic, political, and environmental issues facing the Pacific Islands at the state, regional, and international level. Rita Mae is from Pingelap, a small atoll that is part of Pohnpei State in the Federated States of Micronesia. She holds an A.A. in Liberal Arts from the College of Micronesia-FSM.

Artinlee Masiuriulmal is interning with the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders during Summer 2023. He is an undergraduate student pursuing a B.B.A. in Entrepreneurship at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. He is interested in issues related to the Pacific Islands, and he is from Falalop Woleia, part of the Yap State in the Federated States of Micronesia. He holds a Third-Year Certificate of Achievement in General Business, an A.A. in Business Administration, and an A.A. in Liberal Arts from the College of Micronesia-FSM. 

Jade Nine is interning with US Indo-Pacific Command during Summer 2023. They are a graduate student pursuing a Master’s in Asian International Affairs at the University of Hawai‘I at Mānoa. They are interested in China and its relations with the US and Asia, especially the intersection between politics and technology. They hold a B.S. in Asian Studies and Mathematics from Stony Brook University.

Justine Kuna Sison is interning with Pacific Forum during Summer 2023. She is a graduate student pursuing a certificate in Disability and Diversity Studies at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. She is interested in economic, business, political, and security issues and promoting greater cooperation and understanding among the countries and territories of the Asia-Pacific region. She holds an M.A. in Communications, a graduate certificate in Conflict Resolution, a B.A. in Political Science, and an undergraduate certificate in Law and Society from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.

Amanda Spincola is interning with US Indo-Pacific Command during Summer 2023. She is an undergraduate student pursuing a B.A. in Anthropology with a minor in History at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. She is interested in applying her anthropological skills in cultural analysis, reflective thinking, and critical interpretation of data to the study of geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific.