IAL Graduate Ambassadors
The MA IAL program has a strong network of students and alumni that are excited to talk about their experiences and background. Interested to learn more about specific courses in the program, what attending Washington Week is like, finding internships and jobs, or even balancing the program while active duty or as a working professional? Whether you're interested in applying for the program, recently enrolled or a current student or alum, we encourage you to reach out to our IAL Graduate Ambassadors below to connect via email or for a zoom call.
We're constantly adding new IAL Graduate Ambassadors to this page, so be sure to check back regularly if you'd like to connect!
Jessey Lara
JET Program Participant, Aomori Prefecture, Japan
Capstone: Re-negotiation of the "Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and Japan"
Email: [email protected] OR [email protected]
Arizona native now living in one of the snowiest cities in Japan. Feel free to ask me any questions about the program, studying abroad, life in Japan, or anything else you can think of.
Axel Johnson
Intelligence Analyst, Washington, D.C.
Notable Courses: National Security Policy; Western Hemisphere; Intelligence and National Security
Email: [email protected]
Axel received his undergraduate degree from ASU in Emergency Management and Homeland Security and is starting his third semester in the IAL graduate program. He has a decade of national security and intelligence experience spanning the Army, the intelligence community, and supporting US military operations abroad.
Zahraa Manasir
Intern at the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq, Washington, D.C
Capstone: U.S. Military Engagement in Iraq and the Role of the AUMF
Email: [email protected]
Zahraa Manasir (’26) has interests in U.S.-Iraqi relations and is pursuing a career in diplomacy and international law.
Sulkhan Melua
Army, Staff Sergeant, Deployed/Eastern Europe
Notable Courses: The Dark Side of Foreign Policy; Intelligence and National Security; Key Issues in Global Economy
Email: [email protected]
I am originally from the Republic of Georgia with Ukrainian heritage and have always been fascinated by international affairs, national security, and the forces that shape our world. I am passionate about continuous learning and self-improvement, and my experience at ASU has only strengthened that passion; I have genuinely enjoyed being part of a community that values curiosity, growth, and academic excellence.
Olivia McDonald
Operations and Programs Coordinator, National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones, Washington, DC
Capstone: Funding for Education for Refugees in Jordan
Email: [email protected]
I have a background in legal, government, and policy. I have a B.S. in Political Science, with an emphasis in international relations, comparative politics, and foreign policy from Boise State University and M.A. in International Affairs and Leadership from Arizona State University. I am passionate about fostering meaningful connections and advancing public service.
Michael Platisa
Research Security Operations Manager, FinchAI, El Paso, Texas
Capstone: Chinese Intellectual Property Theft Against the United States
Email: [email protected]
My name is Michael Platisa, and I am a Research Security Operations Manager for a small tech company called FinchAI where we are building research security and due diligence tools to assist companies, universities, federal agencies and other partnerships with ensuring they are working with personnel or companies that do not post a security or national security risk. I am also a retired U.S. Army Counterintelligence Special Agent.
Gianmarco Pow-Sang
Business Analyst-turned-Audio Engineer-turned-Political Campaign Operative, Tampa, Florida
Notable Courses: Decoding China; Religion and Diplomacy; South Asian Affairs
Email: [email protected]
I was born and raised in Miami, FL and have been blessed to have had a diverse experience that has taken me to many parts of the country where my perspective has broadened significantly. Through this program, I look forward to expanding that to better understanding the world and all it has to offer.
Joshua Molina
USAF Veteran, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Capstone: Multilateral Defense of the Free World
Email: [email protected]
Nuclear Deterrence and International Affairs professional ready to engage with his community. Currently a transitioning service member seeking a career in global politics.
Daniel Erlich-Herzog
Lisbon, Portugal
Capstone: Democratic Erosion in Hungary: Limits to EU Response & Global Effects Current
Email: [email protected]
I am a dual citizen of Spain and the United States, with a BA in Global Studies & Political Science and minors in Spanish and Portuguese. I speak several languages and have lived and traveled extensively abroad.
Zeke Harker
Geopolitical Consultant for International Businesses, Seattle, Washington
Capstone: U.S.-Iran Security Policy
Email: [email protected]
International affairs and communications professional who works on issues related to the Middle East, trade policy, and war analysis.
Benoit Gorgemans
Naval Flight Officer/U.S. Navy, Oklahoma City, OK
Capstone: Flexible Extended Deterrence: The Future of Transatlantic Security
Email: [email protected]
Benoit is a 2022 Naval Academy graduate, where he earned a B.S. in Political Science, and currently serves as a Combat Systems Officer and Mission Commander onboard the Navy's E-6B Mercury aircraft. He started ASU's M.A. in International Affairs and Leadership program in August of 2024, and graduated in May 2026 with distinction, completing a capstone on the future of transatlantic military relations and deterrence.