Bridging social science and national security

Combining emergency management with national security is not just a technical endeavor—it requires understanding people, policies, and how they intersect in times of crisis. This unique blend of skills opened doors for Alyssa Manning (B.A. '24), an Ohio University graduate student who earned her undergraduate degrees in political science and war and peace studies.

Manning leveraged these skills to secure an internship at one of the nation’s premier research facilities, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where real-world emergencies like wildfires tested her ability to apply classroom knowledge to high-stakes scenarios.

She is working toward her Master of Public Administration at the Voinovich School and serves as a fellow at the Cleveland Council on World Affairs. Manning's experiences reflect the opportunities available to social science majors and the potential career paths in fields such as national security and policy.

What was your role at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory? 

I was an intern in the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s Emergency Management Department, where I supported operations in their state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory operates under the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Security Administration (NNSA). I worked on emergency preparedness tasks, supporting the response to real-life emergencies and learning how national security and crisis management operate on a high level.

What was the most memorable experience during your internship?

The most memorable experience was when there was an actual emergency—a wildfire that impacted one of the lab’s sites. It was incredible to see the lab use drones to survey the burned areas for hotspots, ensuring the fire was out and wouldn’t reignite. That was my first time being part of an emergency response, and while it wasn’t ‘exciting,’ it was definitely fascinating.

How did your double major help you with your internship?

My studies at Ohio University, especially my double major in political science and war and peace studies, provided me with a solid foundation in understanding international policies, conflict resolution and crisis management. I think double-majoring gave me a leg up because I was able to present two different skill sets that work together.

My interests largely overlap between political science and war and peace studies, but I was still able to pull skills from both directions. During the internship, I was able to apply the knowledge I gained in the classroom directly to the emergency scenarios I faced at the lab. This allowed me to talk up my skills in ways that benefited my work at the lab. That combination of theory and real-world experience was invaluable.

How did your time at Ohio University influence your career path? 

My time at Ohio University laid the groundwork for everything I’ve done. I was a Voinovich Scholar and worked with the Center for International Studies, which gave me a chance to apply my academic interests in real-world settings. The university’s focus on interdisciplinary learning really helped me develop the diverse skill set that I’ve brought to my career.

Why are you interested in emergency management?

Emergency management combines my interests in policy and security with real-world, tangible outcomes. It’s about making sure systems and people are prepared for the unexpected and that they can recover quickly. Whether it’s natural disasters, technical failures, or something else, I believe in the importance of building stronger, more resilient communities.

What do you think social science majors can offer to national security?

I think social science majors bring a unique perspective to national security. It’s not just about the technical side—it’s also about understanding people and the broader societal impact of policies. In emergency management, for example, you have to think about how communities respond, how governments communicate, and how different groups work together. Social science helps you understand those dynamics.

What’s next for you? 

I’m still in school until May 2025, working on my Master of Public Administration (MPA) at the Voinovich School. I’m focused on finishing my degree, but my ultimate goal is to work in emergency management, whether that’s back at a lab like LLNL or somewhere else. I want to contribute to building a more resilient world, and emergency management is one way to do that.

What advice would you give to other students interested in careers in national security?

My advice is to seek out opportunities to gain hands-on experience, even if it’s outside your comfort zone. National security isn’t just about what you learn in class—it’s also about how you apply that knowledge. Internships like mine at LLNL were a huge step in building my career, and they showed me how I could use my social science background in practical ways.