Name: Benjamin Lee; Institution: Johns Hopkins University; Program: National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Graduate Fellowship Program; Education Level: Graduate Student
May 19, 2023
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Meet Benjamin Lee. He was named after Benjamin Franklin, who is still a role model as he tries to combine his knowledge of science, policy, and diplomacy to advance the National Nuclear Security Administration's (NNSA) nonproliferation mission.
He is a NNSA graduate fellow working for the Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence. His office works with more than 80 countries around the world to strengthen their capabilities to detect and interdict smuggled nuclear or radioactive materials. He helps foreign affairs specialists with project management, international engagements, and other program work.
Benjamin is a second generation Korean American with a strong interest in U.S.-China relations. He studied international studies and Chinese at the University of Washington in Seattle. While in college, he had the opportunity to study abroad in Taiwan as a Boren Scholar. After graduation, Benjamin went on to spend time in China as a Fulbright Scholar, and then to study economics and strategic studies at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies for graduate school.
An instructor for a nuclear nonproliferation course suggested that Benjamin apply for the NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program since it would give him the opportunity to combine his interests in nuclear issues, foreign affairs, and U.S.-China relations.
"Since I started last June, my office has welcomed me to their team and many people have guided my professional growth and success at NNSA. I have found several mentors in my office who have gone above and beyond their normal duties to teach and train me to be a contributing member of the team."
- Benjamin Lee, NNSA Graduate Fellow