Next Generation Initiative

Board Fellows

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists’ Board Fellows Program is a professional development opportunity in organizational leadership designed to increase the skill-base and diversity of future leaders in the fields of nuclear risk, climate change, disruptive technologies, and not-for-profit journalism. The fellowship is aimed at supporting a next-generation cohort of confident and experienced organizational leaders by providing direct access to a key power center of any organization–the Board of Directors. 

The Board Fellows Program offers rising leaders the opportunity to contribute to the Bulletin’s board work, while “pulling back the curtain” on the regular workings of a governing board. Fellows will receive first-hand experience in governance, finance, fundraising and strategic oversight. The experience is designed to help Board Fellows develop their own unique perspective on leadership. 

This one-year program is designed in partnership with Women of Color Advancing Peace, Security and Conflict Transformation. It is a direct outgrowth of the Bulletin’s participation in Organizations in Solidarity, a partnership among more than 300 organizations and individuals seeking to combat racism and discrimination in all of its manifestations. 

The Bulletin hopes to repeat this program in subsequent years.

Meet the Fellows

Manfrin

Giovana Rodrigues Manfrin

Giovana Rodrigues Manfrin is a Master of Arts Candidate in Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies and a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellow with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). At MIIS, she focuses on nuclear nonproliferation, counter proliferation financing, and nuclear-cyber security. Prior to MIIS, Manfrin was a Research Fellow on human security at the Harvard Kennedy School, where she conducted evidence-based analysis for policy design and delivery. In this capacity, she helped advise policymakers on evidence-driven interventions for gender equity, inclusive security, political participation, and economic opportunity. 

Reja Younis

Reja Younis

Reja Younis is an associate fellow with the Project on Nuclear Issues in the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). She is also a PhD student at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and a predoctoral fellow with the Henry A. Kissinger Center for Global Affairs. At CSIS, she leads research on nuclear deterrence and nuclear strategy. Prior to working at CSIS, she completed a year-long fellowship with the Stimson Center, where she conducted research on nuclear deterrence and escalation in South Asia. Reja holds a BS in social sciences and liberal arts from the Institute of Business Administration and graduated with highest honors in political science. She completed her MA in international relations from the University of Chicago.

About our partner WCAPS

WCAPS-logo-alternate-Full-color

WCAPS believes global issues demand a variety of perspectives. That is why they created a platform devoted to women of color that cultivates a strong voice and network for its members while encouraging dialogue and strategies for engaging in policy discussions on an international scale. Through their dedication to mentorship and partnerships and their passion for changing the global community landscape, they remain committed to achieving their vision of advancing the leadership and professional development of women of color in the fields of international peace, security, and conflict transformation.

While the global community is faced with issues related to worldwide health security, peacekeeping, weapons of mass destruction nonproliferation, and the intersection of national and international security, there was no significant or sustained voice from people of color, particularly women of color, who are often the most affected and who are also community leaders in many parts of the world. They changed that. Learn more at www.WCAPS.org.

Support the Next Generation Initiative

Generous individuals who share Leonard Rieser’s passion for educating future scientists and policymakers about the opportunities and consequences of technological advances are encouraged to contact Anne Puotinen at [email protected].