Sentinel Research

Innovating National Security Together

Meet the brilliant minds that drive our mission.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The Sentinel Research Society is an independent academic research organization dedicated to the study of national security, intelligence, and counterintelligence threats. Several academic researchers and members of the Board of Directors are federal employees, including those serving in various agencies within the Department of Defense and the U.S. intelligence community.

All research, publications, and products of the Sentinel Research Society represent the academic opinions of the contributing researchers and the Board of Directors. They are not intended to reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the intelligence community, or any other federal agency. Furthermore, no Sentinel Research Society products should be interpreted as the professional opinions or official positions of any government agency.

The Sentinel Research Society is committed to maintaining academic integrity and ensuring that all research is conducted using publicly available sources. No government, sensitive, or classified information is used in the development of Sentinel Research Society products. All findings, analyses, and recommendations are derived exclusively from open-source materials to uphold transparency and avoid conflicts of interest.

Sentinel Research Executive Leadership

Shane McNeil

Founding Director

Shane McNeil is a doctoral student at the Institute of World Politics, specializing in statesmanship and national security. As the Counterintelligence Policy Advisor on the Joint Staff, Mr. McNeil brings a wealth of expertise to the forefront of national defense strategies. In addition to his advisory role, Mr. McNeil is a prolific freelance and academic writer, contributing insightful articles on data privacy, national security, and creative counterintelligence. He also shares his knowledge as a guest lecturer at the University of Maryland, focusing on data privacy and secure communications.

Lamia Zia

Founding Co-Director

Lamia Zia is an affiliate member of the Artificial Intelligence Interdisciplinary Institute at Maryland (AIM) and a lecturer in the Communication Department at the University of Maryland. Currently pursuing a doctorate in Statecraft and National Security at the Institute of World Politics, her research explores the impact of Afghan women’s symbolic muting on U.S. national security through the lenses of foreign policy, intelligence, and statecraft. Lamia’s expertise lies at the intersection of media, security, and policy, contributing to a deeper understanding of how visual narratives influence geopolitical dynamics and foreign policy. 

Logan Rogue

Founding Co-Director

Andrew Rolander

Founding Co-Director

Andrew Rolander is an expert in irregular warfare and strategic competition. 

Operations and Coordination Team

Carla Renner

Operations Manager

Carla Renner is an M.A. candidate at The Institute of World Politics, pursuing a degree in Strategic Intelligence Studies. With over eight years of experience in international healthcare and global network management under her belt, she brings extensive research experience and strategic analysis to national security topics. Carla specializes in trans-Atlantic affairs, counterintelligence threats, and Asia-Pacific relations.

Research Team

Lucy Mathews

Deputy Director of Applied Research

Ms. Mathews is a Project Manager on the International Research, Data, and Technology Security team at CRDF Global and a Master’s candidate in Statecraft and National Security Affairs at the Institute of World Politics. She leads international capacity-building programs to counter threats posed by the misuse of emerging technologies and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. With a background in emergency response, she brings a strategic approach to security challenges, combining research, policy, and operational planning to safeguard U.S. national security interests.

Podcast and Marketing Team

Led by Lamia Zia

Luke Payne

Producer

Luke Payne is and M.A. candidate at the Institute of World Politics, pursuing a degree in Statecraft and National Security with a specialization in Intelligence. His areas of study revolve around trafficking, transnational organized crime, and counterintelligence. 

Amandalynne Davis

Podcast Co-Host

Amandalynne Davis is an M.A. candidate at the Institute of World Politics, pursuing a Statecraft and National Security Affairs degree specializing in Public Diplomacy and Strategic Influence. Her research interests include East African relations, cultural diplomacy, religion in international security, and responsible crisis response.

Kiley Pittman

Producer

Kiley Pittman is an M.A. candidate at the Institute of World Politics, pursuing a degree in Statecraft and National Security Affairs with a specialization in Intelligence. Kiley’s primary research interests include Indo-Pacific Security, the Middle East, and HUMINT.

Editorial Board

Peer Review Panel

This panel is comprised of doctoral students and experts in their field who review and provide academic and professional insights for the Sentinel Review

Editorial Board

This board is comprised of professors, senior academics, and experts in their field who review and provide academic and professional insights for the Sentinel Journal

Creative CI Solutions by Students

Sentinel Research Society thrives on innovation, integrity, and security. Our mission is to develop unconventional CI strategies, fostering partnerships and enhancing national defense.

Explore our engaging events, insightful journals, and collaborative research initiatives focusing on emerging CI threats.

Innovating National Security Together