Alexander Braverman
What degree did you pursue while you were here?
I pursued a MS in Biohazardous Threat Agents.
What kind of work are you currently involved in?
Currently, I am a consultant for the U.S. Department of State, acting as a Program Manager. Specifically, I support the Foreign Consequence Management program, within the Office of Weapons of Mass Destruction Terrorism. I co-manage multiple portfolios pertaining to international CBRN preparedness initiatives, the U.S. interagency response to CBRN events on foreign soil and U.S. nuclear weapons overseas.
What was your experience like at Georgetown, and how did your time here inform your outlook and career choices?
My experience at Georgetown was fantastic, it was truly everything that I could have hoped for and more. I only wish that my time at GU could have been longer! The wealth of knowledge and experience I received, the relationships I made and the professional network I tapped into were essential to my career development. Without them, I most certainly would not be where I am today. Specifically, I would like to thank the BTA&EID professors for their commitment to and true caring for their students.
What advice would you give current or prospective students looking to get into your line of work?
To those of you seeking to utilize the BTA&EID program to make the jump into the professional arena, as I was, I will tell you all exactly what Dr. Rosenthal told me when I walked in the door because it is 100% true. This program provides you access to the incredible professional network that exists within Washington and truly presents opportunities that you will not find anywhere else. However, this program is what you make of it – you must be proactive and persistent from day one. The professional resources and contacts are there no matter which relevant field you wish to pursue, but they will not come to you.
I was very intimidated by the prospect of being so proactive, so my first move was to seek the guidance of a professor who quickly became my professional mentor (A big thanks to Dr. Daddio!). From their I learned to engage my other professors and the presenters professionally, develop contacts, and utilize professors’ contacts effectively. You will find that one contact or potential opportunity leads to another and before you I know it you will create a growing professional network. This is the door and your professors hold the keys to it – talk to them! I got my start as an intern, an opportunity that I would not have discovered without the referral of a professor (Also a big thanks to Dr. Lucey!).
What are your current academic interests and foci?
Since my completion of the BTA&EID program, I have made the jump from academics to the professional arena. However, furthering my education and enhancing my understanding is always a priority of mine. Currently, I am focused on furthering my knowledge on all aspects of CBRN preparedness, including but not limited to: emergency response, national policy and planning, public messaging and warning, command and control, and national and international coordination/information-sharing.