MNSP Student Kaitlyn Ostrom-Ross Receives Prestigious National Security Fellowship

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Kaitlyn Ostrom-Ross (MNSP’26), a current student in Sanford's Master of National Security Policy (MNSP) program, has been named a 2026 Shawn Brimley Next Generation National Security Fellow by the Center for a New American Security (CNAS).

The highly competitive fellowship recognizes emerging leaders who are shaping the future of U.S. national security and defense policy. Fellows participate in a year-long program that combines mentorship, policy engagement, and leadership development, with a focus on strengthening the national security community and advancing innovative thinking in the field.

Ostrom-Ross brings more than a decade of experience in national security and law enforcement. She currently leads a cyber forensics team embedded with IRS-Criminal Investigation, supporting complex investigations into financial crimes and cyber threats. Her previous roles include work with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of the Treasury, giving her extensive experience across inter-agency environments and national security missions.

Ostrom-Ross is currently part of Sanford's MNSP program, an accelerated, executive-style degree designed for mid-career professionals. The program emphasizes applied policy analysis, strategic decision-making, and leadership in national security contexts, with coursework that integrates defense, intelligence, diplomacy, and emerging global threats.

Tim Nichols, Visiting Professor of the Practice at Sanford and director of the MNSP program, praised Ostrom-Ross’s contributions to the program and her future potential.

“I have enjoyed having Kaitlyn in the Master of National Security Policy program. She brings a wealth of interagency experience, critical thinking skills, and a professional demeanor that defines our program’s culture. I’m excited to see how she will contribute in her very bright future as a national security policy expert.”

The Shawn Brimley Next Generation National Security Fellowship honors the late CNAS Executive Vice President Shawn Brimley, a respected leader known for his commitment to mentorship and public service. Fellows are selected based on professional achievement, leadership potential, and a demonstrated commitment to advancing U.S. national security.

Ostrom-Ross’s selection reflects both her professional accomplishments and the applied focus of Sanford’s MNSP program, which prepares experienced practitioners to take on senior leadership roles across government, the private sector, and the nonprofit and policy sectors.

Learn more about the MNSP program here: 
Master of National Security Policy Program (MNSP) | Sanford School of Public Policy