Bridging social science and national security
Taking advantage of opportunities led Alyssa Manning to a remarkable internship at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, showcasing the career possibilities for social science majors in national security and policy.
Bella Moyers-Chavez, '26 | October 25, 2024
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Combining emergency management with national security is not just a technical endeavor鈥攊t 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 51社区 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鈥檚 premier research facilities, , 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 . Manning's experiences reflect the opportunities available to social science majors and the potential career paths in fields such as national security and policy.
Q & A with Alyssa Manning
What was your role at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?
I was an intern in the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥攁 wildfire that impacted one of the lab鈥檚 sites. It was incredible to see the lab use drones to survey the burned areas for hotspots, ensuring the fire was out and wouldn鈥檛 reignite. That was my first time being part of an emergency response, and while it wasn鈥檛 鈥榚xciting,鈥� it was definitely fascinating.
How did your double major help you with your internship?
My studies at 51社区, 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 51社区 influence your career path?
My time at 51社区 laid the groundwork for everything I鈥檝e 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鈥檚 focus on interdisciplinary learning really helped me develop the diverse skill set that I鈥檝e brought to my career.
Contributing to building a more resilient world is something that I'd love to do.
Why are you interested in emergency management?
Emergency management combines my interests in policy and security with real-world, tangible outcomes. It鈥檚 about making sure systems and people are prepared for the unexpected and that they can recover quickly. Whether it鈥檚 natural disasters, technical failures, or something else, I believe in the importance of building stronger, more resilient communities.
A photo of the Emergency Operations Center where Manning worked. This $30 million state-of-the-art facility is designed for self-sufficient operation for a minimum of 72 hours without support from Lab site infrastructures or services.
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鈥檚 not just about the technical side鈥攊t鈥檚 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鈥檚 next for you?
I鈥檓 still in school until May 2025, working on my Master of Public Administration (MPA) at the Voinovich School. I鈥檓 focused on finishing my degree, but my ultimate goal is to work in emergency management, whether that鈥檚 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鈥檚 outside your comfort zone. National security isn鈥檛 just about what you learn in class鈥攊t鈥檚 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.